Holiday Evergreens find new purpose beneath Kentucky waters

After the ornaments come down and the holidays wind to a close, real Christmas trees can continue to serve a meaningful purpose across the Commonwealth.

According to a news release, through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ annual “Christmas for the Fishes” program, donated natural Christmas trees are repurposed as underwater habitat in lakes and reservoirs statewide. Once submerged, the trees create shelter and feeding areas that help fish populations grow and remain healthy.

Spencer Phillips, a fisheries biologist with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, says groups of recycled trees are anchored together to form a thick cover with tight spaces where young fish can hide from predators, and at the same time, those structures attract larger sportfish looking for an easy meal when smaller fish move out of cover.

The department will accept donated evergreen trees from December 26 through January 16, 2026, at 37 designated drop-off sites throughout Kentucky. Only real Christmas trees are accepted and all decorations including lights, tinsel and garland must be removed. Artificial trees, wreaths, loose limbs and other vegetation will not be taken.

Woody habitat such as trees and logs play a critical role in aquatic ecosystems, but much of that natural cover has disappeared from Kentucky waters over time due to decay and shoreline changes. By adding recycled Christmas trees, fisheries staff help replace lost structure, creating shade, refuge and spawning areas for many fish species.

Phillips says every tree donated makes a difference and those trees can improve fish habitat for years and that anglers benefit too, because these submerged brush piles often become dependable fishing spots.

Before being placed in the water, donated trees are secured to environmentally safe anchors and sunk at varying depths to support a wide range of aquatic life, including invertebrates that form the foundation of healthy fisheries.

Locations of the installed fish attractors are recorded by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and shared with anglers through the department’s ‘Lakes with Fish Attractors’ webpage and the FishBoatKY mobile app, available on both iTunes and Google Play.

For details about the Christmas tree recycling program or to find a nearby drop-off site, visit fw.ky.gov or call 1-800-858-1549.