Background
Decaying or dead trees are known as snags, and are wildlife wonderlands! Snags are used by insects, birds, mammals, and amphibians as sites for perching, resting, roosting, feeding, grooming, hibernating, courting, and laying eggs. A tree can take decades or even centuries to grow, die, and decay. At each stage, it provides important habitat for wildlife.
Procedure
• If there's a snag on your property, instead of cutting it up for firewood, consider letting it stand for wildlife.
• Note that American elm trees infected with Dutch elm disease should not be left standing, as they could pass the disease healthy elms.
Maintenance
Relax! Let nature do the work.