What do we call standing dead trees in a forest?

Standing dead trees in a forest are referred to as snags. Snags play a critical ecological role within forest ecosystems. They provide habitat and nesting sites for various wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and insects. The decomposition process that occurs in snags enriches the soil and supports the growth of new plants, thereby contributing to the overall health and diversity of the forest environment.

In contrast, stumps refer to the portion of the tree that remains in the ground after the rest of the tree has been cut or has fallen, and while they can also contribute to the ecosystem, they do not stand alive like snags. Deadwood is a broader term that refers to any dead tree material, whether standing or fallen, and encompasses both snags and logs. Decay trees is not a commonly used term in forestry to describe standing dead trees. Thus, snags is the most precise term for trees that remain upright after dying.