As the holidays come to a close and Christmas trees begin to dry out, the evergreens could continue their usefulness.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada suggests people recycle the trees by leaving them in their backyard rather than on the curb.

There, the tree can provide much-needed shelter for wildlife during the harsh winter months while it begins to decompose.

The NCC’s senior conservation biologist, Dan Kraus, says from spring to fall the tree will continue to be a habitat for birds and insects, shelter plants, and hold moisture and add nutrients to the soil.

The NCC also understands many people do not have backyards or dislike the idea of keeping a dead tree around. In that case, the NCC says many municipalities have drop-off sites where the old decorations can be used as compost or trail bedding.

In St. John’s, those who decide to recycle their tree can drop them off at the Quidi Vidi Lake Parking Lot from December 27 to January 12, except on New Years Eve and New Years Day.