Dead Wood Is Not Dead: The Ecological Functions and Management of Dead Wood

Abstract

Citizens find it hard to appreciate the ecological qualities of an unorganized forest landscape because they prefer a neat and orderly appearance even though it may not offer ecological benefits (Tyrväinen et al 2013). Lifeless downed wood or logs give the impression of untidiness and chaos. What the public should understand is the importance of dead wood, rather than basing their preferences on the social norm of aesthetic scenery, and beauty (Nassauer 1995). A lack of education causes misconceptions, for example, that a healthy forest cannot have dead wood (Tyrväinen et al 2013). People believe that dead trees are useless, and in fact detrimental forests (Dudley and Vallauri 2004). It is imperative to address the ecological functions of dead wood, which are not always clear even to educated eyes (Nassauer 1995; Stokland et al. 2012). This paper provides an overview of the definition of dead wood, the ecological benefits of dead wood to forests and woodlands, dead wood management methods, and dead wood management techniques for urban land managers.