After the holiday, Christmas trees can provide a hiding place, shade, and resting areas for local wildlife and fish. In a recent press release by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), those who utilize live trees for the holidays are encouraged to give back to the environment and recycle their trees. MDC Fisheries Management biologist Salvador Mondragon explained that recycled trees can be utilized to improve natural habitats in various ways, including in ponds, lakes, and even in a homeowner’s backyard. He noted in the release that groupings of trees in excesses of 15 to 20 placed in waterway areas provide better habitats for fish rather than putting one to two trees in areas where the tops of the trees are still visible from the surface. According to Mondragon, placing the trees where they can be seen from the water’s surface will ensure the habitat is used year-round. “Natural habitat is always preferred over artificial structures, making live Christmas trees a great…