If your woods are short on snags (standing dead trees), you can create some of this valuable wildlife habitat by girdling trees. Girdling kills a tree while leaving it standing so it can become a snag.
Snags are standing dead trees. This article from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology explains their importance for wildlife and gives tips on what kinds of trees to consider for girdling to create good snag habitat.
Snags provide crucial wildlife habitat, but no one wants a forest full of dead trees. This brief MyWoodlot article recommends snag numbers from wildlife biologists based on tree size, because different animals use different sized snags.
University of Kentucky Forestry Extension educator Jeff Stringer demonstrates girdling technique with a chainsaw in this three-minute video.
A chainsaw will speed up girdling, but it’s a dangerous tool if not used carefully. This activity has videos on safe chainsaw use and a link to upcoming chainsaw safety trainings.