Fungi on Beech

[Dorset Treeman]

I wondered what others thought of this picture. It was sent to me by a potential client after I had visited to quote for a crown reduction on a large mature beech tree as it has been appearing since 2014 about 1m from the stem and fronds was last about 1m collectively across.

 

It is definitely annual and appears around September tine on the prevailing wind side, down slope from the stem and if roots failed on this side, the tree will crash onto their bungalow.

 

I think it’s meripulus giganteum and if it’s been fruiting 5 years already, I am concerned about leaving the tree until Autumn to see the fruiting body in the flesh, which is what the client is suggesting.

 

I wondered if my ID from the photo is accurate and if I am overreacting on timescales?

 

 

[David Humphries]

Yes, M. giganteus.

 

That's quite a large fruiting, which may suggest the fungi is taking advantage of the available wood volume of dysfunctional roots. 

 

Investigate the condition of the roots in the area of fruiting

 

or Fell

[Dorset Treeman]

Thank You David