Yes, if it could reach anything or anyone you care about. A dead tree doesn’t get stronger, and limbs can drop without any wind. In an open back acre with nothing nearby, you may have the option to leave it, and some landowners do so for wildlife.
Why waiting can cost you:
- Safety for the crew. A long-dead tree may not hold a climber, so the job may need a lift or crane. Ask whether the price rises as it decays.
- Liability. Georgia’s Cornett v. Agee (1977) turned on visible decay. If your dead tree falls on a neighbor’s property, you may have a harder argument than if a healthy tree had fallen.
- Insurance. An insurer may treat neglect differently than a storm loss.
When leaving it may be reasonable:
| Location | Option |
|---|---|
| Far from people, roads, buildings, lines | May leave as a snag |
| Near a trail or fence | Reduce height, remove the hazard limbs |
| Reach of a house, road, or line | Remove |
| Touching lines | Call the utility; don't touch |
Permits. Dead doesn’t always mean exempt. Atlanta’s Arborist Division FAQ says dead, dying, or hazardous trees have “no fee,” but Trees Atlanta’s guide says they “require an application to receive a permit prior to removal.” A tree that’s already fallen, the FAQ says, doesn’t require a permit. Check your own city or county.
Confirm it’s dead. Some trees that look dead in winter simply haven’t leafed out. Scratch a small twig, or ask an arborist. If it’s your neighbor’s dead tree, send a dated letter and photo, so there’s a record of notice.