Re Should I be worried about this??

[David Humphries]

I agree with Sloth

 

 

 

 

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[Paul Melarange]

If it is dryadeus it's not such a terrible thing, the tree could quite easily have decades left yet. If you're really concerned and what to retain the tree with minimal if any pruning get a local consultant to have a look. It could pay for itself in saving or lessening the need for reduction that might be recommended 'just in case' by a tree surgeon (who may also just want the work - it happens!).

 

I agree. It is apparent from the second set of photos that tree has been reduced/topped in the last couple of years. This will have reduced the wind load/sail area quite significantly, thus reducing even further the risk of the tree failing.

 

There appears to be a good amount of re-growth in response to the pruning, which is a reasonable indication of normal vitality. (Caveat-this is based on looking at a photo, the re-growth could be years of short extension growth or even dead for all I know!).

 

I don't think you should be particularly worried at the moment. However, as suggested by sloth, it would be prudent to have the tree inspected by a suitably qualified, experienced and insured arboriculturist.

[MATTMOSS]

I'd say it looks more like Innonotus dryadeus than any Ganoderma sp.

The basal flare and buttress roots suggest this has been a fairly longstanding fungal colonisation, probably older than any grading for the gravel. What's the land been used for previously? Old soil compaction and/or basal damage from livestock perhaps?

If it is dryadeus it's not such a terrible thing, the tree could quite easily have decades left yet. If you're really concerned and what to retain the tree with minimal if any pruning get a local consultant to have a look. It could pay for itself in saving or lessening the need for reduction that might be recommended 'just in case' by a tree surgeon (who may also just want the work - it happens!).

 

my thoughts too.

[Jamie M]

I'd recommend getting a Piccus test done. This is effectively an xray of the base of the tree to determine the extent of any decay. a local consultant should be able to arrange this for you. Hope it all turns out well.

[sloth]

And I'd not bother with a picus in many cases ever, and certainly not without a thorough visual inspection 'in the flesh' first. They are expensive and only really good for confirming what the initial inspection suggests. Even then, they are only one piece of a tree's care puzzle, and not even a corner or edge piece...

[Chipperclown]

Thanks to all for your advice.

[armybloke]

Invest in a Thor710 hammer - Thorex Nylon Hammer Hammers. Thor Hammer Company Ltd

 

tells you the whole story of what is going on in the stem. It's a cheaper and reliable option to a PICUS. A good consultant will tell you what is going on with the tree. Hope it turns out well for you.

[Chipperclown]

I may just do that, thanks!!!!

[swinny]

Invest in a Thor710 hammer - Thorex Nylon Hammer Hammers. Thor Hammer Company Ltd

 

tells you the whole story of what is going on in the stem. It's a cheaper and reliable option to a PICUS. A good consultant will tell you what is going on with the tree. Hope it turns out well for you.

 

Just ordered one. Cheers buddy