Tree Fungus

What is Tree fungus?

Fungi are diverse spore-producing organisms and thrive on organic matter, including molds, yeast, mushrooms, and toadstools. These fungal species grow across North America and worldwide. Fungal infections can occur in several ways. For instance, mushrooms on a tree trunk often indicate the presence of wood decay fungi.

These infections can impact any part of a tree, resulting in infected branches, discolored tree bark, or dead wood. However, many fungi play beneficial roles, actively participating in decomposition and nutrient cycling within diverse ecosystems. Additionally, these fungi contribute to carbon dioxide fixation in the soil, preventing climate change.

Chicken of the woods is a vital species, supporting a host of wildlife. There are some specialist beetles which only feed on bracket fungi like chicken of the woods, including the hairy fungus beetle (Pseudotriphyllus suturalis). It is also eaten by deer.

Fungi are important for several reasons

Fungi are important decomposers in most ecosystems

Mycorrhizal fungi are essential for the growth of most plants. Fungi, as food, play a role in human nutrition in the form of mushrooms, and also as agents of fermentation in the production of bread, cheeses, alcoholic beverages, and numerous other food preparations

They are one of Earth’s biggest recyclers

Fungi break down compounds and turn them into nutrients available to enable the regeneration of life. Without fungi, the world would be covered in layers and layers of dead plants, animals, and almost everything you can imagine. Fungi make things rot, generating space and nutrients for everything else to live.

Fungi heal us

How many times were you prescribed antibiotics? And how many of those times was that antibiotic penicillin? Probably, your answer is “a lot.” Our beloved penicillin is obtained from a fungus of the genus Penicillium and was first used by our ancestors many hundreds of years ago. Later, its mainstream use was triggered by the work of Alexander Fleming in 1928. Fleming accidentally encountered penicillin when a few of his culture dishes got contaminated with mold. What had been considered “a nuisance” until that moment, was one of the most remarkable medical events in recent history.

They are therapeutic allies

In a world where mental health awareness has taken on greater importance in society, fungi amaze us once again. Psilocybin is a well-known psychedelic compound present in over 100 species of mushrooms. Although psilocybin was demonized and marginalized during the 60’s, as it turns out, it was not all about recreational tripping. Many scientific studies indicate that psilocybin is a game changer for people suffering from major depression, anxiety, addictions, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The administration of psilocybin in conjunction with psychotherapy has shown a significant improvement for people experiencing these conditions, including long-term effects and cases of remission.

Fungi make the goodies we like

Do you like wine, bread, chocolate, beer, and soy sauce?

Say thanks to the fungi! Yeasts are single-cell fungi with an enormous impact on food and beverage production since centuries ago. Through the process of fermentation, yeasts generate carbon dioxide and alcohol. This metabolic activity is the key to dough leavening and multiple cereals, grains, and fruits brewing. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the most popular representative of yeasts involved in fermentation by making beer. Another fungal species that adds unique flavoring to food is Penicillium roqueforti, which contributes to the peculiar taste of the world-renowned blue cheese.

Together with bacteria, fungi are responsible for breaking down organic matter and releasing carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus into the soil and the atmosphere.

Fungi are essential to many household and industrial processes, notably the making of bread, wine, beer, and certain cheeses.

Human Health

Besides the benefits of fungi for the environment, they also provide health benefits for humans. In fact, six percent of edible mushrooms possess medicinal properties, which can help prevent diseases and boost our immune system.

Environmental protection

Fungi have been found to help degrade various pollutants from the environment, such as plastic and other petroleum-based products, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, and oil. Some of these substances are persistent toxins, which mean that they take a long time to break down in the environment and accumulate in humans and other species, presenting adverse effects on organisms. Therefore, fungi can act as a powerful tool to reduce environmental pollution.

Common Types of Tree Fungi

Tree fungus refers to a wide range of fungal infections that affect trees, causing various symptoms that can harm or even kill the tree if left untreated. Fungi are microorganisms that thrive in moist conditions, and when they infect trees, they can disrupt the tree’s natural processes like nutrient absorption, water movement, and photosynthesis.

Canker Fungi

These fungi cause canker lesions (sunken, discolored areas) on the trunk or branches. They disrupt the flow of nutrients and water. Common examples include Nectria and Cytospora cankers.

Root Rot Fungi

Fungi like Armillaria (honey fungus) and Phytophthora infect a tree’s roots, causing the roots to rot and leading to tree decline. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and a general decline in health.

Mushrooms & Puffballs

These fungi appear as fruiting bodies on the soil or the tree itself. While mushrooms are the most visible sign, their presence often indicates a more significant fungal issue within the tree, especially if they are growing from decaying wood.

Powdery Mildew

This fungus creates a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the tree. While not usually fatal, it can weaken the tree and reduce its ability to photosynthesize.

Leaf Spot Fungi

These fungi create dark spots on leaves, often surrounded by yellow halos. The spots can cause leaves to drop prematurely, weakening the tree over time.

Fusarium Wilt

A soil-borne fungus that causes yellowing leaves, wilting, and branch dieback. It affects trees like maples and oaks, causing vascular damage to the tree.

Rust Fungi

Rust fungi often cause orange or yellow pustules on leaves and stems. The fungus spreads easily and can weaken the tree, especially in humid environments.

Symptoms of Tree Fungus

Discoloration on Leaves, Bark, or Wood: Look for yellowing or browning leaves, black streaks, or unusual growths on the bark.

Fruiting Bodies: Mushrooms or other fungal structures growing on or around the tree.

Weakened Growth: Affected trees might show signs of stunted growth, smaller leaves, or reduced vigor.

Leaf Curling or Dropping: Leaves that are infected may curl up or drop prematurely.

Dieback: Branches or limbs may die back, and the tree might lose its ability to produce healthy new growth.

Oozing Sap: Some fungal infections cause gummy exudates to ooze from the tree, especially near wounds.

Treatment and Prevention

Pruning and Sanitation:
Remove infected branches or limbs, especially if the fungus has already spread to a specific area. Always disinfect pruning tools between cuts to prevent spreading the fungus. Clean up fallen leaves or fruit that may harbour fungal spores.

Fungicide Applications:
For some fungi (like powdery mildew or rust), fungicides can help prevent or control the infection. Apply them according to the manufacturer's directions.

Improved Tree Care:
Watering: Proper watering, especially during droughts, reduces tree stress and makes it harder for fungal infections to take hold.

Mulching:
Apply mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and prevent root damage, but avoid piling mulch against the tree’s trunk.

Avoiding Wounds:
Minimise mechanical damage or injury to the tree's bark.

Remove and Destroy Infected Trees:
For more severe infections (like oak wilt or Dutch elm disease), it may be necessary to remove and destroy the infected tree to prevent spreading.

Promote Good Drainage:
Fungus thrives in overly damp, stagnant conditions. Ensure your tree's planting site has good drainage to avoid conditions that favor fungal growth.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you're unsure whether a fungus is causing problems with your tree or if the infection is widespread, it’s a good idea to consult an arborist.

We can:

• Properly diagnose the fungal infection.

• Offer a treatment plan that may include the use of fungicides, proper pruning, or even removal if necessary.

Summary

Tree fungi are common but can be harmful if not addressed. They can weaken a tree, reduce its lifespan, or even cause death. Recognizing the symptoms early, taking preventive measures, and providing proper tree care are essential steps in managing tree fungus.

Do you think your tree might have a fungal issue, or are you looking to learn more about how to spot specific types of fungi?

Seeing tree fungus?
Get in touch

Feel free to get in touch to talk about your needs or get a no obligation quote

Phone

07588754040

Email

mail@associatedarborists.co.uk