Branches - what do I need to know?

[ShaunIOW]

I want to get some branches for my snakes, but shop ones don't seem great or are quite expensive, so I thought of cutting my own but I've a few questions.

1. Any species of tree/bush to avoid getting branches from? I believe pine is one to avoid for example as the sap is toxic to snakes

2. How is it best to treat the branches before use?

3. Do they need de-barking?

ATM the vivs just consist of hiding spots, aspen, water bowl and a selection of plastic or silk plants so look a bit bare at the top with lots of unused space (heat is supplied by a heatmat covering a third of the base of one end).

Cheers

[Junior13reptilez]

There is quite a big divide in views on this in the hobby for example if you went on the amphibian section they are much more natural where as if you went on the lizard section it's more along the lines of kill it, kill everything with bleach. So I guess it's up to you I can't remember any good woods you could naturally find.