Coillte recognises that the availability of deadwood is an essential component of a healthy ecosystem, as it provides a medium for micro-flora and fauna to live. In 2001, recording of deadwood became an integral part of Coillte's Inventory system.

Deadwood is retained on sites across each FMU (Forestry Management Unit), at an average density of three standing and three fallen stems per hectare of diameter greater than 15cm. Coillte's current target for deadwood is greater than 1.07 million trees across the estate.

By the end of 2005, cumulative standing deadwood at the end of 2005 was 128,133 trees and fallen deadwood was 138,254 trees.  Total area surveyed for deadwood was 22,186 ha of 4.9% of Coillte's estate.