We all know living trees are vital for birds and other wildlife. But even after a tree dies, it continues to provide food, nesting sites, and shelter—and its productive “afterlife” can last many times longer than its years of growth if it’s left in place. In the United States, more than 1,200 wildlife species depend on dead trees for survival. These standing or fallen trees, known as snags, enrich the soil, store carbon, prevent erosion, and provide habitat for up to one-third of the wildlife in a forest ecosystem. So when a tree falls or dies on your property, what are your options?
When a tree dies or falls down, you may have choices as to what to do with the tree. Many people automatically cut it down and into logs for firewood. But before acting, think about what that tree might be able to add to the habitat you have in your yard. Ethan Tapper, author of “How To Love a Forest” in this Facebook post, explains the importance of dead trees.
Above all, your decision should be guided by the potential risks of leaving the tree in place. If it is not near buildings, not in a high-fire zone, not diseased, and poses no immediate safety or fire hazard, you could consider skipping the costly removal and letting nature take its course. Decaying trees enrich the soil and provide habitat for insects, which in turn feed birds and other wildlife. Standing dead trees are especially important for species such as woodpeckers, owls, and parrots, many of which rely on them to create nesting holes. In some forests, birds that depend on dead trees can make up as much as 45% of the avian population.
Losing a tree can feel like a great loss. But if the conditions are safe to leave it in place, that tree can enrich the habitat for decades to come.