Lower branches tend to die because of lack of sunlight. Your (?)neighbours have the right idea of clearing away the dead limbs and twigs to reduce the chance or spread of fire. (If there is a high fire danger having a hose handy to wet the area would be helpful as it takes a lot less water to stop a fire than put one out.)
Forests grow in stages, grass
land, small shrubs, Labrador Tea, Service Berry, then coarse shrubs Alder, Sumac, followed in turn by willow, poplar, spruce, pines and hardwoods. The species varies by location, each generation nursing/nurturing the next. Removing dead twigs and limbs opens the
canopy allowing sunlight to reach the ground.
Please don't go trough the woodlot and pick up every log and branch you find, they provide habitat for all sorts of flora, fauna and fertilizer for the next forest. The 'duff'; the layer of decaying leaves and needles on the ground. Duff serves several purposes, erosion control and fertilizer being the primary ones.
As to how far up the clear the dead limbs, depends on the final use of the timber or aesthetics desired.
As to far to go into the forest, not more than half way after that you are coming out.
Thinning, check with a
local forester before removing any trees, especially in a reforested area. The tree roots are intertwined and the introduction of a fungus has the potential of destroying the entire wood lot. The forester will be able to recommend ways to seal the stumps which should be cut as close to the ground as possible.
Provincial or State Governments have departments that can provide you with information on how to manage woodlots. They have made the mistakes and learned from them (I hope) and YOU have already paid them.
John
Forestry Engineering Technician
This information is provided for discussion only.
Forestry practices vary from location to location check with a Forester in your area.