Fistulina heptica at base of Oak

[Matthew Arnold]

As per title i noticed this evening that one of the Oaks on a site i manage has Beefsteak fruiting at the base as well as about 15 ft up out of an old wound. The crown is reasonable healthy but has two "Priority A" targets well within falling distance (A heavily used Tarmac perimeter and a large industrial unit and courtyard). Because of the trees targets and the double fruiting. What would your decisions be for the tree?

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

As per title i noticed this evening that one of the Oaks on a site i manage has Beefsteak fruiting at the base as well as about 15 ft up out of an old wound. The crown is reasonable healthy but has two "Priority A" targets well within falling distance (A heavily used Tarmac perimeter and a large industrial unit and courtyard). Because of the trees targets and the double fruiting. What would your decisions be for the tree?

 

Further investigations as FH is very common on Oak and, according to Lonsdale, only renders the tree likely to fail when decay is very advanced (I've never seen it.) I've also heard that this fungus may be part and parcel of the Oak's lifecycle including hollowing with age.

 

Still doubtless other 'experts' will be along shortly but please don't rush in with the chainsaw.

 

Cheers..

Paul

[mad matty]

Firewood?......

[APC]

4" of oak-based mulch to dripline wherever it's not tarmaced. Perhaps dmp at height of low fruiting body then a metre above to take baseline readings for further drilling in 3 years time. Reinspect in 1 year.

Edited September 22, 2013 by APC

[Marc Lewis]

Fell it and deliver to my yard in shaft's Mat.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

not advanced, look at crown form/loading/targets and asses on basis of limb failures as most likely scenario