Just found this on my tree

[Kaityg]

I just found this fungus(?) at the base of my walnut tree. The tree seems healthy otherwise. I’m not really a plant person; the tree was already well established when I moved in. I searched online but I can’t find anything that looks right. Can anyone identify it? And what do I do about it?

[Stere]

Thoose aren't walnut leaves  btw

[Kaityg]

Yes, that’s a different plant that decided it wanted to grow right there under the big tree. 

[David Humphries]

Probably Inonotus hispidus (Shaggy polypore)

 

Depending on the level of occupancy around the immeadiate vicinity of the tree, I suggest you have it assessed by a professional Arborist that has access to the knowledge and equipment required to undertake assessment of potential basal decay and any associated stability issues. 

Edited September 10, 2023 by David Humphries

[Steve Bullman]

8 hours ago, David Humphries said:

Probably Inonotus hispidus (Shaggy polypore)

 

Depending on the level of occupancy around the immeadiate vicinity of the tree, I suggest you have it assessed by a professional Arborist that has access to the knowledge and equipment required to undertake assessment of potential basal decay and any associated stability issues. 

Is it not unusual to find this at the base?

[Kaityg]

15 hours ago, David Humphries said:

Probably Inonotus hispidus (Shaggy polypore)

 

Depending on the level of occupancy around the immeadiate vicinity of the tree, I suggest you have it assessed by a professional Arborist that has access to the knowledge and equipment required to undertake assessment of potential basal decay and any associated stability issues. 

I’ve contacted a local arborist for an assessment. I just hope they don’t say the tree can’t be saved. Thank you for your input!

[David Humphries]

12 hours ago, Steve Bullman said:

Is it not unusual to find this at the base?

Unusual but I’ve seen hispidus at the base of trees before, they don’t read the books 😄

Edited September 11, 2023 by David Humphries

[Chris at eden]

On 11/09/2023 at 15:25, Kaityg said:

I’ve contacted a local arborist for an assessment. I just hope they don’t say the tree can’t be saved. Thank you for your input!

You may need to get it assessed using a specialist device such as a Picus Tomo-Graph if the decay is not visible externally.  Most companies don’t have the device so if you need assistance with this I am happy to quote depending on where you are.  Or if you are too far I can try to help you find someone more local with the equipment if needed.  It’s nice to see someone who does want to fell at the first sign of trouble. It may be that you already have it sorted but the offer is there.  There is a cost implication though to managing trees with fungi in terms of ongoing inspection and maybe pruning. 
 

Cheers 

 

Chris