Editing Pruning (section)

=== Deadwooding ===
Branches die off for a number of reasons including sunlight deficiency, pest and disease damage, and root structure damage. A dead branch will at some point decay back to the parent stem and fall off. This is normally a slow process but can be hastened by high winds or extreme temperatures. The main reason deadwooding is performed is safety. Situations that usually demand removal of deadwood include trees that overhang public roads, houses, public areas, power lines, telephone cables and gardens. Trees located in wooded areas are usually assessed as lower risk but assessments consider the number of visitors. Trees adjacent to footpaths and access roads are often considered for deadwood removal.<ref name="DeadWood Removal Nelsons Tree Services">{{cite web |title=Removal of dead wood - Nelson's Tree Services |url=http://nelsonstreeservices.com.au/services/removal-of-dead-wood/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215005241/http://nelsonstreeservices.com.au/services/removal-of-dead-wood/ |archive-date=15 December 2017 |access-date=20 December 2017}}</ref>

Another reason for deadwooding is amenity value, i.e. a tree with a large amount of deadwood throughout the crown will look more aesthetically pleasing with the deadwood removed. The physical practice of deadwooding can be carried out most of the year though should be avoided when the tree is coming into leaf. The deadwooding process speeds up the tree's natural abscission process. It also reduces unwanted weight and wind resistance and can help overall balance.