Oak SGRs + Hollow + Kd + Wound spread + Crack = Remove

[Fungus]

Theres a fine line between mutual jousting and what goes on here ...

 

... triggered by what went on "behind the scenes" before, which forced me to post my "mission statement", followed by this hypocritical reaction.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

... triggered by what went on "behind the scenes" before, which forced me to post my "mission statement", followed by this hypocritical reaction.

 

 

I know Gerrit, you know i do...

[High Scale]

Edited October 23, 2011 by High Scale

[tommer9]

Take it outside girls. This is getting dull.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Take it outside girls. This is getting dull.

 

i know it is, that was why I tried to....

 

never mind, the thread was dead a while ago!

[treeseer]

i know it is, that was why I tried to....never mind, the thread was dead a while ago!

 

so maybe a less snappy version will enliven it, or at least take it outside the personal realm. I know hama, I really do! A closer look at the OP

is all we need; even a 164 kb image can say a lot, and show the tree is, in UK parlance, "fecked".

 

This Quercus phellos measured 113 inches in circumference at breast height and is a significant risk. Visual inspection of the lower trunk on the sidewalk side of the tree revealed a large, relatively fresh, vertical crack.

 

At the top of this crack is a black growth resembling a fungal fruiting body. Coupled with the hollow soundings produced 360° by our rubber hammer, this indicates the progression of interior decay towards the bark. The crack suggests the tree is not walling off decay well and that there may not be enough of a reliable shell of wood near the crack to support the tree in an extreme weather event. We also noted fungal infections adjacent to pruning wounds in the canopy, which also indicates the spread of decay. The pruning wounds do not appear to be closing.

 

Seven reasons we needed not climb the tree to inspect this area, left to right:

1. Large branch over the road, visibly decayed back to a node near the trunk. This area has a concentration of chemicals and structures that make it a branch/bud protection zone. It is also “hot spot”, in the Zone of Rapid Taper. Considering the Town’s short pruning cycle of 1-2 years, the size of the branch and the extent of decay are significant.

2. Apparent saprophytic fungus (which grows on tissue that is already dead), perhaps Stereum sp., is spreading towards a similar “hot spot” node on a branch facing west.

3. Recent pruning wound being attacked by this fungus.

4. Nearby pruning wound not closing.

5. The most recent pruning wound is also not closing.

6. Apparent parasitic fungus (which grows in living wood), resembling Polyporus, grows on included bark between this wound and the largest branch/leader in this midstem area

7. Upward-pointing structure above the fungus advancing up this leader might be loose bark affected by decay.

 

 

Fig 1.1 Roots girdling and scarred. East view. Fig. 1-2 Girdling root disrupts circulation. north view

 

If only one or two of these signs of disease or symptoms of tree response to disease were evident, closer inspection and precise identification of pathogens may be warranted. In total, they point to interior decay and poor condition, beyond any mitigation. Removal should be strongly considered. The sooner the tree is removed, the quicker a replacement tree can be installed and begin establishing its roots.

 

MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

The other trees with visible fungal fruiting bodies or audible hollows noted should be assessed with a noninvasive decay-detection instrument such as a tomograph. The extent of decay will indicate potential mitigation, such as how much and where they should be pruned, for health and safety. Vines and other growth should be kept clear of the stems of all the trees to permit inspection. Mulch should be spread near—not on—the trunks, to prevent further damage by and to lawnmowers.

 

The primary problem these trees have is root damage during work on curbs and sidewalks. The upcoming final report will include appendices describing ways of maintaining safe walking surfaces and adequate water direction while minimizing impacts to the trees. For now we recommend the City cease any further pavement works adjacent to significant trees until City staff, including Streets and Grounds, is familiar with all reasonable options for these works, and with relevant industry standards and references.

 

This concludes our preliminary report. We can clarify any portions of it upon request.

[Fungus]

1. a black growth resembling a fungal fruiting body

2. We also noted fungal infections adjacent to pruning wounds in the canopy, which also indicates the spread of decay ... Apparent saprophytic fungus (which grows on tissue that is already dead), perhaps Stereum sp., is spreading towards a similar “hot spot” node on a branch facing west ... Recent pruning wound being attacked by this fungus

3. Apparent parasitic fungus (which grows in living wood), resembling Polyporus

 

We can clarify any portions of it upon request.

 

Kind request to (outside the personal realm) clarify the following questions :

 

1. Resembling a fruitbody meaning it still might not be a black foamy rubber fungus at all ?

2. A very superficial outside in saprotrophic pioneer white rotter such as a Stereum species (© G.J. Keizer ?) indicating ... the spread of decay and the spreading towards a similar "hot spot" node on a branch ... destabilizing branches of a tree ? And how did you assess a recent pruining wound being "attacked" by the same fungus if you didn't identify any of the fungi in the first place ?

3. What Polyporus species is parasitic and grows in/on Quercus phellos and with what effects ?

[Fungus]

Quote : "How do you assess the effects of an unidentified fungus" : with a rubber mallet

Quote : "Tomography without properly identifying the macrofungi first ?" : Yes, the name of the fungus does not matter ... not all mycological aspects are relevant.

 

See reliability of reading tomography.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

fair comments

[treeseer]

Sarcasm aside,

 

2. A very superficial outside in saprotrophic pioneer white rotter such as a Stereum species (© G.J. Keizer ?) indicating ... the spread of decay and the spreading towards a similar "hot spot" node on a branch ... destabilizing branches of a tree ?

 

the suspected stereum would indicate that decay is spreading yes.

 

"And how did you assess a recent pruining wound being "attacked" by the same fungus if you didn't identify any of the fungi in the first place ?"

 

It looks the same. Precision is nice, but general accuracy often works.

 

3. What Polyporus species is parasitic and grows in/on Quercus phellos and with what effects ?

 

I don't know that, but I do know that all those fb's are not good for stability.

Precision is nice, but 1-7 met the assignment. In total, they point to interior decay and poor condition, beyond any mitigation. Removal should be strongly considered.

 

IME, a valid and reliable tomograph reading can be done by someone who has personally (visually and by sounding) assessed the tree before tomographing it. It is desirable but not necessary--or always possible!-- to identify the wood degrading macrofungi and the type(s) of woodrot correctly,or to have experience with the tree species specific interaction of the fungi with the tree species, or to have often seen the damage done to the tree after it had been felled.

 

Periodic readings indicate decay progression, and contribute to competent assessments. Some decay fungi cannot be identified, some folks don't get a chance to do a lot of autopsies, so how can all that be *necessary* ?? Arboriculture works better with mycology, but it is not always impossible without mycological precision.