Fungi id on horse chestnut

[Carl123]

Can anyone Id this for me was thinking it may be honey fungus but seems to be higher up the trunk than where you’d usually see it.

[The avantgardener]

It looks like Flammulina velutipes (velvet shank) rather than honey fungus.

[Carl123]

Yeah think your right is it something to be concerned about the tree is still alive but not in terrific health like allot of chestnuts.

[The avantgardener]

19 minutes ago, Carl123 said:

Yeah think your right is it something to be concerned about the tree is still alive but not in terrific health like allot of chestnuts.

It’s usually a signifier of declining health/vigour.
Has the tree had any major work done in the past, root damage/compaction etc?

I would take a more detailed inspection and assess its overall condition. The fungi can colonise pretty rapidly so may be pathogenic.

Edited November 27, 2019 by The avantgardener

[Carl123]

Well the whole rd is full of them (chestnut avenue) so they are all slowly dying anyway and compaction etc does not help. We have taken a few down but my concern is it being wind thrown. It’s a private committee that has to pay for them and they are also protected so I’d need to build a decent case in order to persuade someone to take any action.

[Treeation]

18 hours ago, The avantgardener said:

It’s usually a signifier of declining health/vigour.
Has the tree had any major work done in the past, root damage/compaction etc?

I would take a more detailed inspection and assess its overall condition. The fungi can colonise pretty rapidly so may be pathogenic.

I thought it was saprophytic and not a lot to worry about.  Certainly not heard of it being pathogenic. Where did you read that - maybe im missing something!? 

Edited November 28, 2019 by Treeation
missed a word

[Treeation]

Although id be more concerned about the lifting bark on the trunk. A more detailed inspection would be a good idea 

[The avantgardener]

16 minutes ago, Treeation said:

I thought it was saprophytic and not a lot to worry about.  Certainly heard of it being pathogenic. Where did you read that - maybe im missing something!? 

I can’t remember off hand, will dig it out when I get back home, I am working away. 

[AJStrees]

In the books it says its habitat in clusters on decaying, deciduous trees. 

 

Lots of stuff online about it. 

 

Have you taken a sample and had a look at the fungi? The underside and stems will give you a better idea for full ID of the species. 

[Treeation]

12 hours ago, AJStrees said:

In the books it says its habitat in clusters on decaying, deciduous trees. 

 

Lots of stuff online about it. 

 

Have you taken a sample and had a look at the fungi? The underside and stems will give you a better idea for full ID of the species. 

Hi, I checked all my Mattheck books - manual of decay/body language of trees/  and Lonsdales Principles of tree hazard assessment and management, AA Fungi manual....and no mention whatsoever of Velvet shank....the only book I have that covers it is Diagnosis of Ill health and trees - Strouts & winter who suggest that Velvet shank " is a top rotter that where the rot is usually confined to small pockets and dead branches" p228 so I imagine more of an idicator of dead wood already present which has been caused due to another reason  rather than pathogenic attack from the fungus in question...