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Dead trees are dangerous for several reasons. They are structurally compromised and prone to branch or trunk failure, which can pose a significant safety risk to people, vehicles, and nearby structures. Dead trees can also harbor pests like termites, which may spread to other trees or your home. If a tree died from a disease, it could spread the illness to healthy trees. Additionally, the dry wood is highly flammable, increasing fire risk.

Generally, you should prune around 20% of an apple tree’s growth—and never more than 30%. This means that if you have a severely overgrown tree, it can take a few seasons to prune it back enough to produce the healthiest fruit. 

If you’re dealing with a newly planted or juvenile tree, hold off on pruning beyond the initial shaping. Wait at least a couple of seasons into fruit production since pruning can increase the number of water sprouts and unproductive foliage.

Whether you should remove the roots of a dead tree depends on whether they’re damaging nearby areas. For instance, if the roots continue to grow near sidewalks, driveways, or the foundation of your home, they can cause damage. If you want to plant something else in that spot, removing the roots can make it easier for the new tree or plant to grow.

Dutch elm disease can’t harm humans. In fact, according to Cal Fire, bark beetles aren’t even typically dangerous to trees unless that tree is already weakened. The problem comes when Dutch elm disease kills a tree. That tree is more at risk of falling and catching fire, which can pose a serious threat.