<p>Deadwood is an essential and natural component of forest ecosystems and plays a critical role in nutrient cycling and water retention. In recent years, the function of dead wood as a natural reservoir for rainwater in forests has gained increasing recognition. The main objective of this study was to analyse changes in the hydrological properties, specifically water-holding capacity (S) and absorption rate (N), of dead wood from selected deciduous and coniferous tree species. These properties were examined in fresh and dried states after wood burning. The results indicated that coniferous species retained more water before fire exposure, whereas broadleaf species retained more water after burning. During the sprinkling tests, fresh unburnt wood exhibited the highest water retention, likely because of its hydrophilic nature, followed by burnt fresh wood, unburnt dry wood, and burnt dry wood. These findings suggested that both burnt and unburnt wood become more hydrophobic when dried excessively. Across all species, the average maximum water absorption was 70% for dry, unburnt wood, 65% for dry, burnt wood, 45% for wet, burnt wood, and 10% for unburnt wood in its natural state. These results highlighted the significant differences in the water retention capacities and characteristics between burnt and unburnt dead wood.</p>