Can a dead tree be left standing for wildlife?

The trade-off

Standing dead trees are used by birds and other animals, which is why some land owners leave them in the back of a large lot. The issue is that dead wood loses strength, and a limb or the whole trunk can come down without warning, especially in a wind or heavy snow. What matters is what is under it when it falls.

Where it matters most

Near the house, the fire zones come first. The Living With Fire guide from University of Nevada, Reno Extension describes Zone 0 as 0 to 5 feet from the home, Zone 1 as 5 to 30 feet, kept lean, clean and green, and Zone 2 as 30 to 100 feet, with reduced fuel. A dead tree in Zone 1 is a fire fuel and a falling target at the same time. Further out on a big lot, a dead tree with nothing under it is a different question.

At Lake Tahoe, TRPA says a dead tree that could fall on a house does not need a permit. Ask the agency about other cases.

What the arborist does

A certified arborist looks at the lean, the cracks, the base and what stands in the fall path, and tells you which dead trees should come down and which can wait. Dead limbs can be taken off with dead wooding without removing the trunk. We never say a tree is safe to leave from a description alone. Call 775.232.8243 or send photos with the estimate form.

A middle path exists on larger properties: take down the dead trees near buildings, drives and fence lines, and leave one or two well away from anything that matters. Mark the fall zone and keep paths and play areas out of it. Recheck each year, since a dead tree gets weaker with time. The arborist can tell you which dead trees on your lot, if any, are reasonable to keep.