What sort of fungus is this??

[john87]

Hi All,

 

What sort of fungus is this?? It is on the base and roots of a not very well, rather large, silver birch. Since fungus only lives [i think] on dead wood, the tree has obviously had it..

 

john..

 

[Steve Bullman]

It’s honey fungus, and no fungi doesnt only exist on deadwood. 

[Paul in the woods]

Yep, looks like honey fungus and it is parasitic, but often causes death of trees. 

 

Armillaria mellea, Honey Fungus

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[JaySmith]

Looks very much like armillaria. Look in the soil and under the bark for the black bootlaces that’s often appear. Looks to be damage to the buttress root and also broken tarmac in the picture, could have been an inlet for the pathogen if there is damage and exposed wood/roots.  
 

If there are targets near the tree I’d be assessing the crown for signs loss of vitality and dieback and also the roots and base of the tree for signs of decay. If a tree is already struggling or has damage to it sometimes the colonisation of honey fungus can be the final nail in the coffin. 

[john87]

Hi All,

Yes, some of the the roots on the one side are already well rotted. The tree is due to come down because of this..  The crown of the thing looked to be fine, but, despite this, as the roots are damaged and there ARE targets that it would flatten, it is definitely coming down..

 

The fungus has only appeared in last 2 days, so it must be fungus growing season??

 

john..

Edited October 28, 2022 by john87

[Dan Maynard]

11 minutes ago, john87 said:

The fungus has only appeared in last 2 days, so it must be fungus growing season??

What you are seeing is fruiting bodies of the fungus, most of the organism is inside the wood and has been digesting away for a while. Yes it is the season for fruiting, not too dry or too cold.

Edited October 28, 2022 by Dan Maynard

[john87]

Thanks all for the help and advice. You lot are brilliant!!!

 

john..

[john87]

Ok, Given that the tree will have to be removed, i take it that it would be dangerous to climb the thing if it is full of honey fungus and it needs to be taken down in one go??

 

What you all think??

 

john..

[Steve Bullman]

If it’s been assessed by a professional it’s down to them to decide if it’s safe to climb 

[john87]

I am not a professional so i think i will leave it to someone that is...

 

john..