Leave some rotten wood?

[Me Tarzan]

Hi. I am a rec. climber and have several mature ash trees in my garden. One in particular had some of the very top dead wood taken off about 10 years ago. Some of these limbs have shown re-growth, others have continued to die-back.

 

Question: Is it good practice/PC to leave some dead and decaying wood in the canopy for wildlife? I was thinking maybe 1m. of major sub laterals (15" dia.). to provide habitat and food for woodpeckers, tree creepers, starlings, tits etc.. Or would this be to the detriment of the tree - maybe encourage disease? To date I have not seen any obvious signs of disease.

 

The alternative is to cut back to healthy wood.

[sloth]

If it's not likely to fall, or cause havoc if it does fall, then I'd leave it be. Woodpeckers love a bit dead ash up high

[treeseer]

Other reasons for leaving it include shade from sun scald, and translocation of resources toward the 'collar' area. Stag heads are also good perches for raptors etc.

 

That said, I generally cut back to healthy tissue. Too much potential for problems (Kretsch etc.), in oaks anyway.

[treecreeper arb]

Deadwood is a valuable habitat for all manner of wonderful beasties..if you are comfortable with any safety issues then absoloutely leave it.There isnt enough of it around as it is.Every little helps when it comes to conservation today.