Creating Snags
Photo by: Chris Schnepf, University of Idaho, Bugwood.org
Snags may be created from living trees if there is a shortage of safe natural snags. Created snags can be expected to last for a long period of time. Poor quality or deformed trees, such as those with broken tops or large branches, make excellent snags.
Word of caution!
Snags can be dangerous. Locate them well away from trails, roads, buildings, and other structures.
Tips for creating snags
Select conifers for snag creation as they normally last longer than deciduous trees. Snag trees should be at least 14" in diameter, however smaller diameter snags are used by many cavity nesters and foragers.
Top or girdle trees at or above the first whorl of branches, if possible, and at least 14 feet high (ideally, much higher). Shorter trees are useful for some cavity nesters and especially for foraging birds, as are stumps which are at least 3 feet high.
A jagged top will decay faster and supply more habitat than a smooth-topped tree.
Jagged cuts, grooves, and cavity starts can also be added to the trunks of trees when they are topped or girdled for snag-dependent wildlife. These additional cuts allow decay-causing fungus to enter the stem of the tree and accelerate the creation of structure for many species of birds and mammals including many bat species. Cuts should angle upward and be at least two inches wide and at least six inches deep. A shelf or cavity can be initiated by cutting a hole or opening at least six inches deep and about four inches in diameter.
Large branches, extending at least 2 feet out from the trunk, can be cut to create foraging habitat on live trees not intended to be used as snags.
Nest boxes of varying sizes will host many species, such as wood ducks and swallows. They can be erected in most forest stands depending on target species and stand characteristics. Nest boxes, however, do not replace the need for snags. Do not put nest boxes on existing snags.
Photo by:David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org
Secondary content using h2 tag. Column 2
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Heading using the h3tag
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.