Irregular growth on sycamore

[jacquemontii]

Hi, can anyone identify this irregular growth on the branch of a sycamore? The attached image was taken back in may. I have since spotted a similar growth on the trunk of another sycamore more recently. Is this some type of canker? or just a burr? and if so would it have any serious implications for the future health of the tree?

[Gary Prentice]

It's not a canker, just a growth abnormality that can be due to a number of issues - similar to a 'witches broom' on twigs. I don't think it's likely to cause any real problem unless it girdles the stem and affects the transport system.

Mechanically it may create a weakness due to interrupting directionality of wood fibres, but I can't recall ever seeing a failure due to this.

[jacquemontii]

Thanks btggaz, a very helpful response, much appreciated.

[MATTMOSS]

It's not a canker, just a growth abnormality that can be due to a number of issues - similar to a 'witches broom' on twigs. I don't think it's likely to cause any real problem unless it girdles the stem and affects the transport system.

Mechanically it may create a weakness due to interrupting directionality of wood fibres, but I can't recall ever seeing a failure due to this.

 

Something to do with secondary meristems in the bark cambium

[treeseer]

Good responses; agree 100%. To confirm you could take a mallet up and tap the surrounding wood to listen for hollows. Also if oozing or crumbling discharges from these it can be a sign of canker. But that's rare ime.