A tree that's infected with fungus is a hazard, and fall is the perfect time to diagnose it. You'll want to take care of the problem before snow and wind come, possibly causing your weakened tree to crack and fall. Master arborist Gabe Beeler shows how you can identify problem signs on your tree.
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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Unlike the pathogenic fungi shown above, the saprophytic fungus is a friend to forests, feeding on dead trees.
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How can you identify a fungus problem on your tree? Fungi create fruit in the form of either a mushroom or a conk. A conk is hard and looks like a shelf growing out of the tree. If you see one, you know you've got a problem. This fruiting body isn't the working part of the fungus. It releases spores (the working parts of the fungus) from underneath, which then spreads. These spores decompose root systems, stems and branches. What are some examples of fungi you've come across that people should watch out for? Ganoderma lucidum attacks trees, causing white rot and decay. You can identify it by the reddish brown conk (figure A) it develops on the trunk of the tree. It can kill its host tree in three to five years.
Ganoderma applanatum, also known as "artist's conk," is another root-rot fungus and is really aggressive (figure B). Normally seen on maple, oak and ash trees, it can damage, if not kill, a tree pretty quickly. Laetiporus sulphureus, or sulfur fungus, causes a brown rot and enters through bark wounds and dead branch stubs. You'll notice bright orange-yellow conks in the fall (figure C). If you don't have conks or mushrooms on your tree, does that mean you don't have a fungus problem? Another thing to watch for that isn't as obvious as the mushrooms and conks is dieback. This is a gradual decaying of the tree starting at the furthest tips of the branches, moving inward towards the trunk. Sometimes entire branches will be affected right next to healthy branches. If you don't see either of these problems, one thing you can do to be sure your tree doesn't have a fungus problem is to examine the roots. This process is called a "root flare examination" and you can do it yourself as a first step before calling an arborist.
To do a root flare examination, loosely dig out the soil around the base of your tree (figure D). Be very careful not to damage the roots, especially the thin feeder roots. The large roots anchor the tree in place, but the small roots take in water and nutrients so the tree relies on them. If at any time you feel like you can't do the root flare exam without harming the tree, call an arborist in to finish the job. They use a tool called an air spade that will remove the soil without harming the roots. Once the soil is cleared away, examine the roots from underneath and all around. The mycelium, which is the working part of the fungus, will decompose from the bottom up so you'll need to clear the soil from around the roots. If you see brittle, gelatinous or decomposed wood, it's time to call an arborist. If you see healthy roots (as in figure D), cover them back up with soil, making sure the soil is at the same level it was before. What will an arborist do about the fungus problem? Unfortunately, most trees that are infected with a fungus will be weakened greatly and become a hazard. If this is the case, they will work with you to determine whether removing the tree is the best option. You need to ask your arborist these three things to come up with your answer: 1. Is this fungus weakening just a branch or the whole tree?
2. How likely is it that the tree will crack or fall?
3. If something does fall, what will it hit? If you do decide to remove the tree, definitely call a professional arborist who is licensed and bonded. A lot of people get hurt trying to remove it themselves.
GUESTS :
Gabe Beeler
Board-certified master arborist
Fallen Leaf Tree Service
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