Weird question for my fellow nature freaks......

[GoddessOfGuinness]

I'm in the process of attempting to give some slight semblance of order to my yard (or my jungle, if you prefer). At the same time, I really enjoy just letting much of the garden happen, and keep things as natural as possible without letting the honeysuckle strangle my children in the process.

So I've got this dead dogwood tree, and I'm wondering if I should just let it stay or if I should push it over. It's a small tree. The trunk is no more than 6" in diameter. And much of the deadwood has been broken off; so there's little more than the trunk and the sturdier parts of a couple of main branches, with ivy climbing up the trunk.

The branches are kind of nice to hang indoor plants from when the frost danger has passed. On the negative side, it's a pain keeping the ivy from travelling over the top of the trunk and into a nearby holly.

Is it possible that small woodpeckers or other birds would find a dead tree like this to be an attractive nesting site? That would make me leave it where it stands until time and elements turn it into mulch for the surrounding azaleas.

On the other hand, is it possible that it would simply become a desirable target for termites or some other god-awful pest that would ruin the rest of the garden? In that event, I'd want to get rid of it as quickly as possible.

Thanks for your opinions! :beer:

[trof]

1. In ecological parlance this is called a "snag".

And yes, it can become habitat for all manner of things.
If it's not too much of an eyesore, leave it up.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

5. We have had occasional run-ins with code guys...........

They like to cite us for "weed control". I get around it by asking them what defines a weed, because I love my pet dandelions.

[radwriter0555]

2. Eh, it's a dead tree. Perhaps you could put in a new one with fruits that

would benefit far more than termites and peskies?

[GoddessOfGuinness]

9. Eventually, I'd like to get a new dogwood

But there's been some sort of blight around here. I'd like to hold off planting a young tree until someone's found a solution to the problem.

[In_The_Wind]

3. I leave standing deadwood if it's safe

the birds eat the insects in the decaying bark

[GoddessOfGuinness]

4. It's kind of pretty...

in a woodsy sort of way. I'd love it if it would attract nuthatches or somesuch. We've had orioles nest in our yard, too...I'll bet they'd enjoy it. :hi:

[In_The_Wind]

8. clematis vines are a good slow grower for flowers on the old trunk

try to avoid honeysuckle vines as they attract far too many bees

:hi:

[trof]

7. There ya go.

[amazona]

6. oh yeah keep that woodpecker snag!

If it is a safe distance from the house (termites, carpenter ants) then by all means hang onto your woodpecker snag. They can be a blast.

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[Bossy Monkey]

10. These guys say leave it

U of Maine extension service:
"Dead trees, fallen trees and perches. A "snag" is a dead or dying tree. Snags are like gold in the wildlife world. Snags are used as nesting sites, perching sites, as food sources and to establish territory. Some species create cavities in snags; some use the cavities made by other species. The larger the snag, the better. It should be at least six inches in diameter and six feet tall. If there is a dead or dying tree in your yard, consider leaving it, unless it is a hazard."

"Perches are used by many birds to sing when establishing territory or attracting a mate, as a launching area to catch insects, or to watch for predators. Dead branches, snags, and artificial perches will add to the use of your backyard habitat."

http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/habitats/7137.htm

[GoddessOfGuinness]

11. Sounds like a plan!

Thanks! :hi: