Trying to decide how you’ll dispose of your Christmas tree this year? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has some suggestions.

The DNR tells us each year, Michiganders purchase millions of live Christmas trees, and when the holidays are over, many people wonder if there are beneficial uses for their trees rather than sending them to a landfill. The answer is yes — there are many ways your old Christmas trees can keep on giving as habitat, but it’s important to think carefully about the best way to do so.

For example, the DNR says many people wonder if dumping their trees in a lake could help provide a good habitat for fish. The department says while it’s true that woody habitat is important for fish, turtles, frogs, herons and other animals, harder-wood trees with an open branch structure provide the most high-quality habitat, and Christmas trees are classified as softwoods. Also, pesticides applied to Christmas trees, leftover decorations, and anchors used to sink trees may introduce unwanted materials into the water.

Therefore, sinking that tree in your favorite lake for fish habitat is probably not a good idea.

Rather, the DNR says better options include creating a brush pile on your property to serve as habitat for wildlife. You can also cut the tree into small pieces or mulch it to use in garden pots or landscaping, which will return nutrients to the soil. The DNR says you may need to confirm the tree is pesticide-free and that it won’t negatively affect soil composition.

Other suggestions from the DNR include giving the tree to a friend who has chickens or goats, or recycling your tree through your municipality.