Willow problem

[felixthelogchopper]

I was strimming around some trees and was rather concerned by the state of the bark on this willow. The tree looks fine until you get underneath the canopy and see that the bark has lifted off the trunk. This is in evidence in varying degrees right up the trunk. The bark is rigid and non-pliable, although it does not seem overly brittle. The wood underneath seems dry and has some black staining but I can't see any rhizomorphs or fruiting bodies. The tree in question stands nearly on top of a land drain which handles water from roadside ditches outside the estate and is suspected of blocking the drain with its roots. Any advice/information gratefully received.

[Callum]

Is that white mycelium on the left hand side of the last picture?

[Eddy_t]

Looks like somebody has given it a bash, causing the bark to separate and allow infection. Willows will still carry on growing despite being rotten inside

 

 

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[felixthelogchopper]

Is that white mycelium on the left hand side of the last picture?

 

Good spot. Yes, white mycelium approximately 1" by 3" in area.

[Callum]

I'm thinking that the Mycelium may be Armillaria given that it is on a living tree, but I'm suprised that the crown looks in fairly good condition given the amount of dead cambium and the outer bark hanging off?

[felixthelogchopper]

I'm thinking that the Mycelium may be Armillaria given that it is on a living tree, but I'm suprised that the crown looks in fairly good condition given the amount of dead cambium and the outer bark hanging off?

 

Crown seems quite vigorous. No sign of Armillaria bootlaces at all.

[Jesse]

Anthracnose of weeping willow. And friends .

[Stephen Blair]

Stop strimming so close to it!!!!!!!!!!!

[felixthelogchopper]

Stop strimming so close to it!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Even I can't strim 20ft up the flipping thing, mate!

[peatff]

It wants some gaffer tape round it, well it worked when my little apple tree split. You don't need to strim under it as it will suck up all the moisture in the soil and keep everything down by itself, greedy things those willows.