Can anyone if this for me please?

[Rock Monkey]

Found this bracket on an old apple tree, can anyone tell me what it is?

 

Thanks

 

 

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[sloth]

Inonotus hispidus, very common on old apples...

[Rock Monkey]

Cheers sloth. I had just found some info online which also pointed me in that direction. I'm assuming it's black because it's so late in the season for it? The apple it's on is actually the healthier of a group of 3. The other two are showing symptoms of the same as they have some very weak and in some cases hollow limbs, but no visible brackets like this..... Not looking good for them anyway

 

 

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[agg221]

On old apples, I'd go more by the size and colour of the leaves, and the quality of the extension growth, than by the presence of fungi of this type. Proper pruning takes out so much loading on the branches that being hollow is rarely a problem. A good mulch and maybe some balanced fertilizer can work wonders.

 

Alec

[Rock Monkey]

Thanks for your reply Alec. Luckily the trees are in a private property so if they do shed a limb then it would be very unlucky to be a danger to anyone. Like I said the tree with the bracket seems to be in relatively good condition and fruiting well. I've just pruned all of them today so keeping the weight off for now. Will just keep monitoring them I guess

 

 

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