A dead tree stops actively drawing bulk water through the root and transporting it to the leaves. This allows the wood to dry out enough that it soaks up moisture from the soil by sponge action. The moisture sustains organisms which decay the wood.
Explanation: A dead tree stops actively drawing bulk water through the root and transporting it to the leaves. This allows the wood to dry out enough that it soaks up moisture from the soil by sponge action. The moisture sustains organisms which decay the wood.
