Remove Dead Landscape Trees ASAP

Sometimes we lose trees in our landscapes. It may be due to a pest (insect or disease), a strong storm, or other factors. When should these trees be removed, and what is the danger in delaying removal?

A dead tree in the landscape becomes increasingly risky to people and structures within its range. What is within its range? Anything it can fall on. So, dead trees should be removed as soon as possible. Waiting can increase risk.

If you have a hardwood or conifer that has succumbed due to insect or disease activity, removal also may help prevent these pests from affecting nearby trees. In this case, the tree should be burned or otherwise disposed of in winter.

People who operate chain saws for tree removal recognize dead trees as potentially very dangerous. “Dead wood can become rotten and brittle, and it is impossible to predict what will happen during tree removal,” said Don Carlson, Purdue forester. “It makes the trees more difficult to control during the felling process.” Carlson added that tops or broken limbs from dead trees can break out and hit your head. He said that dead trees in this condition are sometimes given the ominous nickname, “widow makers.” Trees can also split longitudinally near the base, creating a “barber’s chair” with the base of the main log kicking back and potentially hurting someone.

In woodlands, some dead trees can benefit wildlife by providing den and nesting areas. Some of the same potential exists for trees to fall at some point, but typically no target is in range of the tree. In other words, it’s not likely to fall on a person or a building. Dead trees in woodlands also do not receive direct unabated wind pressure because of surrounding trees, unless they are on the outskirts of the woods.

One good use of dead or dying trees is firewood. It’s best to bring firewood indoors only as needed rather than storing a lot of firewood indoors.

Cliff Sadof, retired Purdue entomologist, said that there are 140+ pests and pathogens like spotted lanternfly, Asian longhorned beetle, and thousand cankers disease that can be spread in dead wood. Consequently, Sadof recommended collecting your firewood within 30 miles of where you plan to use it (if not cut on-site).

He offered these tips when cutting dying trees or brush:

• Leave it for wildlife. Many animals use fallen limbs and brush for shelter and food. Leaving your wood on the ground or in sturdy piles can give them places to hide over the cold winter.
• Burn it in fire pits, bonfires, or fireplaces. Be sure to follow local regulations and burn carefully.
• Chip it for mulch and use it for landscaping.
• Use it for posts or garden stakes.
• Give it to nearby neighbors.
• Compost it. Some landfills and composting sites allow for wood disposal. Be sure that wherever you bring the wood is within 30 miles of where you collect it.

Sadof also recommended that homeowners store firewood away from their homes, outdoors, off the ground, and covered. “Piles of firewood may attract animals and insects looking for food and shelter,” he said. “Most of these animals and insects are no more than mild nuisances in homes but can still be unpleasant to deal with.”

If you have a tree of concern in your landscape, you might consider employing a Certified Arborist. Find certified arborists at: https://www.treesaregood.org/find-an-arborist.