Rotting branches or a decaying trunk are unsightly problems: they are literal dead wood to a beautiful garden. A tree suffering from dead wood needs attention, to stop the problem worsening or killing the tree entirely.

Prevention is the best cure

Stop dead wood from developing in the first place by looking out for the telltale signs of destructive insects and tree diseases. Spring is a particularly bad time for pests which some out of hibernation when the weather gets warmer. Look out for scaly growths, silky caterpillar nests and whitefly.

Pruning away problems

Most trees should be pruned regularly in late winter or early spring. Pruning should also be used when you find a dead spot on your tree. A dead branch provides an entryway for insects and other organisms, and if left on the tree it could cause disease to spread to the whole plant.

Pruning makes trees healthy and strong, but it is essentially wounding the tree and must be done right. Avoid cutting into the swelling at the base of a branch or the dark area where it connects to the trunk. These spots contain chemicals that the tree needs to heal. You may feel most comfortable leaving your pruning to a professional tree surgeon.

Drastic measures

In worst case scenarios, dead trees will have to be removed for reasons of appearance and safety. A dead tree will no longer put out healthy leaves, flower or bear fruit. Unless you're looking for a gothic edge to your garden it's best to uproot a dead tree and start over. The wood from your dead tree can be recycled in endless ways: your old tree could be the firewood that keeps your family warm in winter or the feature furniture in your den.

Removing a small tree is a simple DIY job. If the dead tree is less than ten inches in trunk diameter and 20 feet in height you may want to try removing it yourself. Chop down the tree by cutting into it on the side to which it naturally leans, being careful to ensure it won't fall on anything that will suffer lasting damage. The stump will need to be dug out, decomposed with chemicals or removed by a tree service.

Larger trees will need professional help. It's dangerous work to take down a tree more than 20 feet tall. Specialists know how to take down large trees piece by piece by climbing up with ropes: not your average DIY job!

For more information, contact a company like Clean Cut Tree Services.