dead ball on third strike

Question
On our softball field there is a tree on the left side of the field between home and third but it is off the field but some branches overhang the field above the third base line our local ground rules say anything hitting the tree any where in fair or foul territory is a dead ball.Our league rules also state a foul ball on the third strike is an out.The batter with two outs and two strikes on her hit a popup which hit a branch overhanging the field in fair territory.The umpire immediately called a dead ball and declared the batter out because she did not hit a fair ball with two strikes.Was he correct?

Answer
Hi Mike,

This isn't a quesion I can help you with because it is a local problem and a league rule that addresses it.  ASA doesn't have any book rules on this problem.

Based on your question and info it sounds ok.  If it was the 1st pitch to the batter other then a dead ball what would it be?

Mark