Why You Should Consider Leaving That Dead Tree In Your Yard Alone

That dead tree in your backyard may be an eyesore, but believe it or not, it is an essential part of our ecosystem. By leaving it alone, you can promote healthy biodiversity and support the well-being of countless creatures. A single dead tree can attract good insects into your yard, enrich your soil, and provide vital resources for animals. Don't be surprised if you spot woodpeckers, owls, tree-nesting ducks, and even falcons hanging around it.

However, with that being said, having a dead tree in your backyard also comes with its own set of challenges. Decaying branches are prone to breaking, which could damage your property or hurt someone. Plus, if any invasive species are present, they may infect other greenery in your backyard. It's important to be aware of the potential hazards that may arise and to prepare ahead of time to avoid dangerous consequences. On the plus side, you can take these important measures and still ensure that your dead tree will benefit wildlife.

Dead trees provide essential resources to over 1,000 different types of animals across North America. Creatures such as bats, squirrels, and raccoons use them for shelter, to store food, and to hide from predators. Birds seek out dead trees for nesting, to look out for prey, and to hunt for insects that are attracted to the decomposing wood. Woodpeckers, in particular, rely on them to build their homes. When the woodpeckers leave, many other animals move into the cavities that have been created in the tree, including owls, tree-nesting ducks, bats, weasels, flying squirrels, and martens.

Even logs are an important part of the ecosystem. When left to decay on the ground, logs promote the growth of moss and fungi, which not only benefits insects and amphibians such as frogs, but also enriches the soil and encourages new seedlings to grow.

In addition to helping wildlife thrive, you can repurpose dead trees in your backyard into various beautiful decor pieces for your home and garden. Leave the trunk intact for the animals, and use the branches to create all kinds of accessories. You can also attach a birdhouse or pollinator house to the branches, breathing all kinds of new life into your dead tree.

Before you leave the dead tree in your yard alone, there are some important safety considerations to consider. Also known as a zombie tree, a dead tree that is still standing can lead to all sorts of problems if not dealt with properly. When left to its own devices, a dead tree often begins to break down, with branches snapping off first and falling onto the ground below. Eventually, the tree itself may fall over. This can be dangerous and potentially damaging if the tree is close to your home, car, or neighbor's property. A strong gust of wind or a storm could have terrible consequences.

To avoid any potential hazards, hire a skilled climbing arborist to remove the upper part of the tree and leave the trunk or "snag" intact for wildlife. If the tree is too close to your home and should be removed entirely, leave the deadwood in your yard so that animals and plants can still reap the benefits.

Further, if your tree died from disease, it may have fallen victim to infestation from an invasive species such as bagworms or Japanese beetles. This could put the plant life and other trees on your property at risk. Consulting a professional arborist will help you get to the root of the problem and find the best solution.