Disease in beech

[evergreen]

Hi Guys

Any suggestions on what caused the decay in this beech in my garden. There was die back in the crown, but no signs of any fungal fruiting bodies. There are a few other trees Fraxinus excelsior in the same area that have suffered root plate failure recently. Dont know whether this is linked or a separate issue.

Cheers Nick

[evergreen]

Sorry, should have said discoloration not decay at the time the photo was taken!

[evergreen]

Looks bacterial dont you think, cant find any resemblance in my books yet?

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

lots of repetative squrrel damages, and or some bacterial bleeds, I.E the large black area under a section of cambium. the brown lines following rings are likely squirrel damages.

[Gollum]

what is it like near the root plate (buttresses )

[evergreen]

Hama, that makes a lot of sense, i've missed the bleeding obvious! Behind this beech is a sycamore that has been repeatedly knawed at by squirrels. Didnt know they took a shine to beech as well.

Thanks again. Nick

[evergreen]

Hi Gollum, its on a steep rocky bank. i will take a better look tomorrow, snow permitting.

[Graham]

Hama, that makes a lot of sense, i've missed the bleeding obvious! Behind this beech is a sycamore that has been repeatedly knawed at by squirrels. Didnt know they took a shine to beech as well.

Thanks again. Nick

 

They love beech. I've seen some quite severe damage over the years where branch unions have been girdled.