Researchers at the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) have developed an unusual and environmentally friendly way to destroy Christmas trees after the holidays. They found that submerging trees in water improves biodiversity in water bodies, Yle reports.

Researchers submerged 1,500 fir trees in the depths of Lake Saimaa, near the city of Lappeenranta, to test their effects on aquatic ecosystems. The trees were submerged in water in groups of six to eight to a depth of about two meters, secured with bricks.

This experiment has shown that the submerged firs create a favorable environment for the “inhabitants” of reservoirs. Microbial and fungal flora develop around these trees, and these flora become a source of food for fish and other organisms.

Researchers say Christmas trees act as natural “carbon sinks,” remaining underwater for hundreds of years and helping to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

Hydrobiologist Kari-Matti Vuori noted that biodiversity increased fivefold and the number of underwater organisms increased tenfold where the firs were submerged, and this had a positive effect on the number of fish. The experiment also revealed a considerable increase in fish populations due to improved spawning conditions.

The aforesaid method of Finnish researchers has already interested their colleagues in Canada, where they discuss the possibility of using this practice to improve the condition of water bodies and strengthen ecosystems.