Disposal of Meripilus giganteus

[Karen k]

Hi there. 
Sadly we have recently had to have our 200 year old beech tree taken down due to severe meripilus gigantieus. However the tree feller left a good part of the trunk which we have had carved. However we have again for lots of the fungus around the tree trunk but have two dogs now too. So I have 2 questions - is it safe for the dogs if they were to touch or eat the fungus and secondly how should we best dispose of the fungus? Can we just dig it up and dispose of it as garden waste?

Many thanks for any help and advice. 

karen

[Otto77]

Hi Karen,

 

I wouldn't worry to much about the dogs. The meripilus giganteus isn't poisonous. In fact, in some countries it's eaten, when the mushroom is still quite young. Once it gets older, apparantly it doesn't taste that good, but it's not dangerous.

As far as I know you can't really remove the fungus, as it probably stretches throughout the soil. As long as there is nutrition for it to be found, it will stay there.

Hope this helps

[Paul in the woods]

I've not heard of it being a problem to dogs either. Owning a walking dustbin myself (Labrador) who helps herself to various items from the garden I've never noticed her eat or have any interest in fungi.

[Chris at eden]

41 minutes ago, Paul in the woods said:

I've not heard of it being a problem to dogs either. Owning a walking dustbin myself (Labrador) who helps herself to various items from the garden I've never noticed her eat or have any interest in fungi.

Are you sure she is a Lab, mine will eat anything that is even remotely edible. 
 

[Paul in the woods]

1 minute ago, Chris at eden said:

Are you sure she is a Lab, mine will eat anything that is even remotely edible. 
 

Yep, she'll pick her own raspberries, blackberries, peas, tomatoes, apples etc; eat bird and animal droppings etc but I've not noticed her take any interest in fungi. Does yours?

 

I had worried a little as I suspect there are liberty caps about the place. Last thing I want is a normally mad lab having a trip.