I also would not suggest it. Wood does go through a lot of small changes as it dries or in this case soaks up the water. Clearcoat might be too thin to really resist cracking or peeling as the wood shifts.
But then , that does not mean you cannot try the wood. What will happen depends on lots of things. How dry the wood is will depend on how thick the branches might be as well as weather and whether they were in sun or shade. You might get a bit of idea by cutting the end off at a thicker section. Wood will often turn whiter as the moisture leaves so you can get a visual of how dry it might be. Feeling for dampness might also help.
But then, if it is wet, you still have options. The wood will not do big time harm overnight or anything like that. If it takes years to dry out, it may takes months for sap to come out in the tank, right? So, worst case, the wood is too wet and colors the water or changes parameters too much, what does it do for you?
Can you handle having to take the wood out? Or do you want to do more water changes to keep the tank the way you want it? Either will work but it may/ may not be the price to pay if we guess totally wrong. No big thing but some are willing to risk it to get what they want. Others are not that bold.
Using wood is like eating your first oyster? It might be good but some will never try it!