COLUMBUS, Ohio — Before sending live-cut Christmas trees to the curb, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is reminding residents that those trees can serve a second purpose long after the holidays — as valuable habitat for birds, fish, and small mammals.
According to ODNR, live-cut Christmas trees can be repurposed into wildlife-friendly brush piles by placing the tree in a suitable location and layering limbs around it, then covering the top with additional brush. These brush piles provide shelter, nesting areas, and protection from predators for a wide range of species.
Songbirds such as cardinals, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and wrens frequently use brush piles for food and cover, while small mammals including rabbits and chipmunks rely on them for shelter and raising young. Brush piles also offer important overwintering habitat for insects like bees, moths, and butterflies.
ODNR officials stress that all decorations — including tinsel, garland, lights, and ornaments — must be removed before repurposing or disposing of a tree, as these materials can harm wildlife and the environment. Residents are also reminded to obtain permission before placing trees on public or private property, as improper disposal could result in a litter violation.
In addition to brush piles, live-cut trees can be recycled as compost, mulch, or fish habitat. Several programs across Ohio are accepting trees for wildlife use:
- Central Ohio:
The Morrow County Soil and Water Conservation District is accepting trees through Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at the Headwaters Outdoor Education Center in Mount Gilead. - Northeast Ohio:
The Mahoning County Green Team is accepting donated trees at designated drop-off sites through Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. Trees are collected and prepared by the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office Community Service Program for fish and wildlife habitat projects. - Southeast Ohio:
Athens residents can arrange curbside pickup on Tuesdays and Fridays through Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. Trees will be used for fish structure. - Southwest Ohio:
Undecorated trees can be dropped off at the North Pool Boat Ramp at Caesar Creek State Park through Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, to be used for fish habitat.
Each winter, the Division of Wildlife places recycled Christmas trees in select wildlife areas and public lakes throughout Ohio. Bundled and weighted trees are submerged to attract fish and provide cover, benefiting species such as crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass. These locations are often productive fishing spots and can be found using an interactive lake map at wildohio.gov or through the HuntFish OH mobile app.
Private pond owners may also repurpose trees to enhance habitat in their own ponds.
ODNR encourages residents interested in local fish and wildlife to explore field guides and follow the Division of Wildlife on social media for updates, outdoor recreation ideas, and conservation information.
