Query about grinding Ganoderma infected Beech.

[Smith126]

Good evening all,

 

I was queried by my client when I went to look at Beech tree with numerous Ganoderma brackets at the base. She was looking to have the tree removed, as she was concerned about the road access under the tree, and neighbouring houses, and she was concerned that the fungus would infect the neighbouring Beech tree, and questioned if you grind out the stump the of the infected tree, would this kill the fungus, and/or at least prevent it spreading to the neighbouring tree?

 

I would be interested in opinion?

 

Many thanks.

Edited September 26, 2017 by Smith126

[skyhuck]

Pretty sure it wouldl make no difference.

 

My understanding is that fungal spores are everywhere all the time, they only grow into fungus when conditions are correct. A tree needs to be in a weakened, compromised condition to become infected.

 

I had a TO insist we grind out the stumps of some large dead TPO's Beech we removed, to prevent Honey Fungus. I thought it was pointless myself, but the client was happy to have them ground, so we did.

[David Humphries]

I agree with Skyhuck, Infection is mostly about colonisation strategy and  presence of fungal spore.

 

The species within the Ganoderma complex (australe, applanatum, resinaceum, pfeifferi, lucidum, carnosum) are predominantly heart rot strategists. The spore  enter the host wood volume via buttress, trunk or major scaffold branch wounds caused by impact or prunning.

 

If the fruitbodies are gone via removal (or dead) and the neighbours tree is wound free and healthy then their tree won't get infected by your clients.

 

However, spore travels great distance on the wind so there is no guarantee that the neighbours tree (if in a wounded state) won't get infected by casual inoculation from other trees in the area.

 

 

[Smith126]

Thank you guys, I appreciate the advice.