Millions of families pick real Christmas trees for their holiday decor each year. Many families have made picking the perfect Christmas tree from the farm or local lot a holiday tradition. However, did you ever wonder what happens to your tree after you take it down? Here in Missouri, conservationists have found a new use for your old Christmas tree. Find out where Missouri Christmas trees go to die.

Each December, between 25 and 30 million real Christmas trees are purchased each year.
Missouri Dept. of Conservation/Facebook
Have you ever wondered what happens with your trees after you drop them off for recycling? Some cities grind them for mulch but other drop off locations do something a bit different with your tree.
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When Christmas trees are recycled with the Missouri Department of Conservation, you're helping to create new habitats for thousands of Missouri fish.
Missouri Dept. of Conservation/Facebook

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Since many of Missouri's lakes are man made, there isn't a lot of natural cover for fish to take shelter in. These old Christmas trees help to provide habitats in those lakes.
Missouri Dept. of Conservation/Facebook
The trees really help boost the entire lake ecosystem. Smaller fish can feed off the trees, in turn attracting larger fish who then decide to spawn there.
Missouri Dept. of Conservation/Facebook
The trees are tied to cement blocks and submerged at depths of four-to-seven feet which is ideal for their new tenants.
Missouri Dept. of Conservation/Facebook
Best of all, these trees help the populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and crappie continue to flourish here in Missouri. Which means you can enjoy another great year of fishing!
Missouri Dept. of Conservation/Facebook
In past years, trees have been collected at Creve Coeur Park and the August A. Busch Conservation Area. For more information about recycling trees for conservation efforts contact the MDC's St. Louis office here.

Have you seen old Christmas trees in local lakes or ponds near you? Do you know of other places that are accepting trees for conservation efforts? Let us know in the comments below.

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