Is this Sycamore dying?

[10megaton]

Hello,

 

We have a large Sycamore which based of the age of the house and historic photos I would guess must be around 80 years old.

 

Last summer the leaves on approximately two thirds of the tree failed died back and fell off around July time after the prolonged dry period. Then in the autumn fungus appeared on the central part of the trunk. The fungus eventually went a few months ago after the prolonged wet spell.

 

This year no leaves have appeared in the same area of the tree that lost it's leaves. The other third of the tree appears normal. Images of the fungus and how the tree looks currently are attached.

 

Is the tree dying, can anything be done to save it or will the remaining third also die?

 

Thank you.

[swinny]

Looks like polyporus dryads saddle from the pics. Your sycamore is a maple also....

 

Polyporus coming straight out of the stem isn't great.... Usually on old pruning wounds. 

 

Is it fruiting right near the base of all the main stems?

 

So at least 30% crown dieback and polyporus on the main stem. I'd not waste money and just whip the tree out and start again.

[Khriss]

That. Dont like  them planted, as a rule - they just grow into bother.   Reduced scores of them to little effect. Fell and put a Cherry in. K

[10megaton]

1 hour ago, swinny said:

Quote

Your sycamore is a maple also....

I must confess I'm rather ill-informed about tree species, not sure who told me it was a Sycamore, but I think it was a tree surgeon 

1 hour ago, swinny said:

Quote

Is it fruiting right near the base of all the main stems?

It was just in that one area where most of the major branches off  the trunk meet. It's gone now.

1 hour ago, swinny said:

So at least 30% crown dieback and polyporus on the main stem. I'd not waste money and just whip the tree out and start again.

It's a big tree, must be around 70 foot, would you be able to provide a rough estimate on the cost of removing it? I'm in North West Kent so basically London prices.

[Khriss]

  Wait for it....!   😆 k

[Ratman]

Here we go again! [emoji23][emoji23]

[Retired Climber]

That's the smallest 70 ft tree I've ever seen. 

[10megaton]

5 minutes ago, Retired Climber said:

That's the smallest 70 ft tree I've ever seen. 

Can't be far off that but you're welcome to come over with a ladder and tape measure.

 

Finger in the air to my untrained eye it looks around double the height of the house, which I know for a fact is 9m from ground level to the ridge line.

[Wonky]

I’d say it’s 45\50 ft, and that’s guessing the hedge next to it is 6ft, then multiplying that height.

 

 You want to look at the long winded thread about some oak removal in London somewhere. I will find a link for you.🤔

 

bottom line just get three quotes. Then ask here.

 

and I’ve just seen your reply, 3 times twice the height of your house is 48 ft 

 

so I weren’t far off

 

edit for the oak thread 🙈

 

 

Edited May 3, 2021 by Wonky
Edit and all after

[Retired Climber]

9 minutes ago, 10megaton said:

Can't be far off that but you're welcome to come over with a ladder and tape measure.

 

Finger in the air to my untrained eye it looks around double the height of the house, which I know for a fact is 9m from ground level to the ridge line.

Haha, can't remember where I put my 70 foot ladder. Anyway, I was only joking, it doesn't really matter how tall it is; it looks easy enough to climb and deal with. A difficult 40 ft tree can be much more expensive than an easy 80 ft tree. Get some quotes and see what you think of the prices; they shouldn't be stupid money.