Dead Branches

wound wood
branch collar
pests

Oft times branches may die on the tree and remain attached to the trunk. These branches can become dangerous to pedestrians, animals or even nearby buildings below. If the branch has been dead for a while, the trunk may have already begun to grow wound wood to repair the damage, much as it will grow over a pruning wound.

By removing the dead branch, you allow the tree to complete growth around the wound and prevent possible damage from the branch breaking away uncontrolled.

The branch should be cut off just outside the wound wood collar. Cutting into this wood may open up the inner wood to decay organisms and pests.