Save Snags for Wildlife

This post continues a series on simple things you can do to help the planet. 
A snag is any dead or dying standing tree. For wildlife purposes, snags should be at least three inches in diameter at breast height and at least six feet tall. However, I have a couple of snags that are about two feet tall that chipmunks, field mice and shrews inhabit. 

Today is Arbor Day and wood is good. A tree that outlives its ornamental value can serve as habitat. Wildlife use nearly every part of a dead tree in every stage of its decay for a place to live and raise young, as a food source and hiding place. Snags also serve as nurseries for insects, mushrooms and lichens. 

Think of snags as condos, townhouses and rest stops. Let them soften with age and blend into the landscape. Allow vines to trail over them and leaves to fall inside them. Dead trees help wildlife and when you preserve those that are safe to leave standing, you do your part to help the planet.