The role of dead trees in the forest has been underestimated or misinterpreted for many years. Fallen and lying in the forest, they have been treated as wastage and a habitat for such organisms as insects, arachnids, fungi and bacteria — a source of diseases and a threat to healthy trees. That is why they were removed from the forest, which prevented on-site decomposition of organic matter and recycling of nutrient elements. Due to severe changes in forests, degradation of habitats and degeneration of tree stands, the reasons for this adverse phenomenon have been sought. The article deals with the role dead trees have in the extremely complex forest organism.