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Guideline to keeping tree stump for wildlife

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From: Alison Rollenhagen City: Waukegan, IL
Hello, I have a pine tree near my house that needs to be cut down, it is becoming uprooted and is likely to fall. I'd like to know if it is beneficial to keep the tree stump for wildlife and if so, what is an optimal height. Tree is currently taller than 2-story house. Trunk is approximately 18" diameter at base. Wondering if 8-10 feet would be beneficial or 2-3 feet for a bird bath. Thank you.
	Extension Message From: Jay Hayek Extension Specialist, Forestry Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences jhayek@illinois.edu
Hi Alison: There are no general guidelines regarding min. or max. height for wildlife stumps or snags. Obviously, one simply has the weigh the potential hazards of creating a "tall" stump or snag that is adjacent to your home. Aesthetics is another consideration. If it were me, I would probably opt for a 2-4 foot stump and convert it to a bird bath :-)
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