Removing dead branches from a tree, commonly called deadwooding, is often confusing for homeowners. This practice is not simply a cosmetic measure, but rather a process rooted in arboricultural science that supports the overall health and safety of the tree. When performed correctly, deadwooding helps a tree manage its resources and mitigate risks posed by decaying wood.
The Status of Dead Wood on a Tree
When a branch dies, the tree initiates a defensive strategy to seal off the dead tissue. This mechanism, known as compartmentalization of decay in trees (CODIT), involves the tree forming internal “walls” of chemically defended wood around the injured area. The tree seals the dead wood into a compartment, preventing decay from spreading inward to the living heartwood and sapwood.
Although this process isolates the damage, the dead branch remains physically attached to the trunk. The wood is metabolically inert, meaning it no longer draws water or nutrients from the tree’s system. This non-living wood begins to decay and becomes a physical liability, creating a point of weakness in the tree’s structure.
Why Removing Dead Branches Is Beneficial
Removing dead branches addresses issues the tree’s natural defenses cannot fully prevent. Decaying wood provides an ideal environment for pests and fungal pathogens. Insects like bark beetles and wood-borers, along with decay-causing fungi, establish themselves in the dead tissue. These organisms can sometimes bypass the tree’s compartmentalization barriers, spreading infection to healthy wood.
Dead limbs are brittle and pose a safety hazard, especially during high wind or heavy snow. These branches are prone to snapping off, potentially causing property damage or injury. Proactively removing them eliminates this structural risk and improves safety. Deadwood removal also supports the living canopy by improving air circulation and light penetration, which helps keep the foliage dry and healthy.
Essential Techniques for Safe and Effective Pruning
To ensure dead wood removal is beneficial, execute pruning cuts precisely to allow the tree to heal quickly. The cut should be made just outside the branch collar, which is the slightly swollen area where the branch meets the trunk or a larger limb. Cutting into the branch collar damages the tree’s natural wound-sealing zone, impeding the formation of protective callus tissue.
For larger dead branches, utilizing the three-cut method is necessary to prevent the weight of the falling limb from stripping the bark down the tree’s trunk. This technique involves an undercut first, followed by a top cut farther out on the branch, and a final clean-up cut just past the branch collar. Hand pruners or loppers are suitable for smaller branches, while a pole saw may be required for higher, thicker limbs.
Unlike pruning for shape or size, which is best done during the dormant season, deadwooding can generally be performed at any time of year without harming the tree. For branches that are high up, excessively large, or near utility lines, it is advisable to contact a certified arborist. These professionals have the training and specialized equipment to safely remove hazardous limbs and ensure the health of the tree is maintained.