Dead branches in the canopy

Dead branches and dead standing trunks can be fabulous resting points or nests for birds and other wildlife. They can also fall and injure people and damage property (upper right photo, courtesy of Dr. Jason Grabosky). Dead branches remaining attached to the tree can also become an entry point for decay organisms (lower right photo).

Most professional arborists remove dead branches as part of a regular tree maintenance program. This is a recognized method of reducing the risk of branches falling on people and property.

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