What's wrong with this Lime tree

[Otto77]

Hi,

Does anyone have an idea what could be wrong with this lime tree? On the side where the black stuff is, there are hardly any small roots left. Could this be phytophtora? I think it could be, but I've not come across it before.

 

I think the mushrooms are not the cause, but I've included them anyway

 

Thanks

[openspaceman]

That looks like bacterial slime flux but the "root" cause may be that the soil level has been raised because that soil to butt junction doesn't look right.

[Dan Maynard]

Root cause.

 

I see what you did there!

[daltontrees]

I would suggest honey fungus.

Edited November 17, 2022 by daltontrees

[Otto77]

Thank you for your reply. I've asked the owner of the tree. Over the past years a gardener has indeed raised the soil about 30 cm by repeatedly topping it up with (a lot of) compost. I guess the tree will have to be removed. Shame.

[Dan Maynard]

I took down this horse chestnut recently as it was in severe decline and infected with dryads saddle. Once I started digging to grind the stump it was obvious the soil has been raised with a layer of clay about 10 inches thick. It took a while but I do think that's what killed the tree.