Nine Minute Naturalist by Josh Palumbo
Oak decline, emerald ash borer, hemlock wooly adelgid and a host of comorbidities such as old age has produced a forest with copious amounts of dead or dying trees. While not the ideal state, the death of a tree is the good fortune of so many other species. This Nine Minute Naturalist will delve into the value to dead standing trees.
Most forest managers dream of a world free of disease, pests, and invasive species. If I got my wish the forest would oddly be less diverse with many less species thriving. A forest with 3-5 snags (that term we will use for dead standing trees) per acre is going to boast more biodiversity than a healthy forest with zero snags per acre. Countless species from lichen, fungi, insects, birds, and a plethora of mammals will utilize a standing snag.
The snag cycle begins with a series of factors. Age, poor soils, excessive drought, defoliation, etc. can all begin the process of decay. An old chestnut oak situated on a steep slope after years of drought and attack from spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth) is the perfect candidate for our next snag. Before the onset of decay, insects and fungus begin to arrive. Insects such as chestnut borers hasten death and, in the process, attract predators in the form of woodpeckers and other birds. Woodpeckers such as the northern flicker or pileated woodpecker are wonderful and digging deep into dead trees to find prey. Woodpeckers create cavities birds, small mammals and reptiles will use for shelter. As the shelter begins to grow, it attracts the attention of bigger species such as raccoon, owls, and black bear. The underside of decaying bark is a lovely oasis for bats. Exposed branches make perfect scouting spots for birds of prey to perch.
The “life” span of a dead snag to remain vertical depends mostly on species type. Dead ash decomposes quickly and find the forest floor after 2-3 years at most while oak tend to stand for 2-5 years. Some species such as our lost but beloved American chestnut seem to be able to stand as snags for over 100 years. Occasionally rumors circulate about chestnut snags still being found in local woods. When decay becomes excessive and external forces such as wind or ice are applied the much-used snag becomes deadfall. The trees usefulness has not completely ended. Contact with the ground accelerates decomposition for the course woody debris. The fallen snag begins to add nutrients to the soil thus still adding value to out environment.
While I prefer the idea of health and vitality in my forest, snags are depended upon by so many species they need to be factored into the health of any ecosystem. Landowners at Wintergreen should keep this in mind as well. If a snag does not impact your dwelling or overall safety, it should be left up with a mind towards the species depending upon it. What begins with insects and woodpeckers will evolve into a wonderful wildlife viewing opportunity as it progresses toward a home for the great variety of species Wintergreen boasts.