Tree mortality is part of the forest, a natural tree death or snags can result from management actions, fire, or pests.

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Hardwood trees species decay slower than softwood species, yet both have the potential to remain in the forest for many decades. Although the diameter of the tree controls the decomposition rate, the rate at which trees die relates to the availability and abundance of fuel wood available for heating fuel.  

Snags fall to the forest floor where they begin to decay. While organic carbon is beneficial to soil chemistry the decomposition of wood releases carbon into the atmosphere. 

Reclaiming the dead wood for fuel is one way to capture the carbon for heat and reduce precariously balanced trees, at risk of falling onto the understory.  Reducing fuel abundance also reduces risks associated with forest fires. 

Many dense forests are selectively thinned to improve production of understory grasses and forbs and improved establishment of native keystone tree species. Reducing the density of trees can also mitigate the threat of insects and disease.  

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Also called fuels reduction efforts, thinning practices can result in a more resilient tree stand to fire. Creating space between mature trees and eliminating "ladder fuels", smaller trees that surround the trunk of a tree, protects the tree canopy.