diff --git a/lib/dns/rbtdb.c b/lib/dns/rbtdb.c
index abe0296914..f446b822e9 100644
--- a/lib/dns/rbtdb.c
+++ b/lib/dns/rbtdb.c
@@ -2254,12 +2254,6 @@ prune_tree(isc_task_t *task, isc_event_t *event) {
 		decrement_reference(rbtdb, node, 0, &nlocktype, &tlocktype,
 				    true);
 
-		/*
-		 * We have both write locks, we might as well do a light
-		 * dead nodes cleaning.
-		 */
-		cleanup_dead_nodes(rbtdb, locknum);
-
 		if (parent != NULL && parent->down == NULL) {
 			/*
 			 * node was the only down child of the parent and has