The removal of dead wood from trees is the only form of management via tree pruning that is not detrimental to the long-term health of your trees. For the purpose of this description, dead-wooding can be broadly defined as the removal of dead, dying or diseased branches from the tree’s crown.
When managing trees within the urban environment there are two basic considerations focused upon when assessing individual trees for the removal of dead wood:
- Firstly, it may be considered that the removal of deadwood from individual trees may increase and enhance the aesthetic value provided by the tree.
- Secondly, removal of dead wood may be required to address issues of risk associated with the potential for the dead branch to fail.
There are a few ranges of factors also considered by qualified arborists when assessing trees. for this type of pruning, not only relating to the trees, but also in relation to the environment in which they are growing. This may include factors such as targets present beneath and around the tree or the notability of the individual specimen within its surrounding environment.
We must remember that dead wood within trees provides an important habitat for a wide range of organisms that form part of our delicate eco-system, including insects, invertebrates, fungi, lichen, and mosses to name a few. There must, therefore, be a balance achieved between the removal of deadwood to address issues of risk within the urban environment, and the retention of deadwood that provides important habitat.
Speak to the experienced arborists at Brisbane Tree Experts to discuss the more complex aspects associated with conservation and provision of habitat and how high-quality pruning specifications can be implemented to achieve appropriate and sustainable outcomes for your trees and your environment.
