Phytophthora on beech??

[aitch]

Found this on a beech tree the other day. Previous war wounds from poor pruning above (no photo sorry). Another tree has been taken out next to it last year but the new owner is not sure if it was light or disease

 

Is this Phytophthora? If so is there any action required or is it likely to survive for many years to come? It looks healthy overall and its one of four well established beech I the garden so the only reason I can see for removing it is if it prevented spread into the others.

 

Advice and opinions appreciated.

[Betula]

I think it is Phytopthora, I think P. cactorum maybe P. plurivora? Both go for the roots and lower stem.

 

It's hard to give a prognosis over the web! But if there has been poor pruning in the past, likely that other decay has entered from the wounds and the root decay can also open to other pathogens. On the other hand they can recover and if there is good foliage then it may well do, Phytopthora moves through the soil in ground water not a great deal can be done to stop the spread unfortunately.

[aitch]

Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated. I'm thinking he may as well leave it for the time being if it won't help the other trees.

[Betula]

I would say leave ideally, see how it recovers unless there's significant hazard