This is probably true, as I can’t think of any references to the re-animated eating trees or vegetation of any kind. So why the Dawn of the Dead photo? Because dead wood is a major factor to consider when assessing and pruning your trees.

Dead wood in trees matters for many reasons. The two reasons that may immediately come to mind are aesthetics (dead limbs don’t look good) and safety (dead limbs are more likely to break and fall). But if a tree is mostly out of sight and away from well-travelled areas, can dead wood be dismissed? Depends. Would you be willing to dismiss a shambling zombie just because he’s not right at your front door?

As tree tissue dies, its defenses go with it. Fungal colonies that were previously held at bay quickly begin to colonize and spread throughout the now defenseless dead tissue. If allowed to continue their growth in your trees, these fungal colonies will be strong and abundant enough to begin colonizing other damaged wood in the tree crown. One infection allowed to fester, can quickly lead to numerous infections over time.

Just as zombies create more zombies, dead wood creates more dead wood. Get it cleaned up and far away from your trees, or burn it. This should help to keep the fungal hoards at bay.

If you are unsure if your tree has deadwood in it, or to trade Dawn of the Dead (1978) quotes, send me a message on the contact page.