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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.
(See: dead branches and dead branch removal).
