Fungus on mature English Oak, possibly Laetiporus sulphureus?

[MrSwadge]

Hello everyone,

 

First of all, thanks for taking the time to look at my post. I look forward to getting some advice.

 

I have a question about our oak tree which is around 3 metres from a corner of our house. I have a few question marks about the health of the tree and want to make sure it's not in any danger of causing damage to person or property, be it our neighbours or our own.

 

The house was built in 1927 and we think the tree was there before it was built. The tree is under a TPO (Tree Preservation Order), so we know any work done on the tree would need to be applied for through our local council. It's a lovely tree and it would be a shame if the tree was unwell, but if it presents a danger then needs must.

 

It's been pretty wet and warm lately, everything in the garden has been growing quickly. It's also been the sort of weather that is ideal for fungus to grow. Quite high up in the tree, perhaps 7-8 metres up on two sides of the tree I've noticed some yellow fungus growing on the tree where in previous years the tree has been cut. I couldn't say when these cuts were made.

 

I've read in a few places that the yellow fungus might be Laetiporus sulphureus, which means it might be causing brown rot in the heartwood and possibly in the roots too. With the proximity of the tree to the house and as the tree lies close to the border with a neighbour, we obviously don't want to take any risks. There is already a bit of a question mark as there is a hole further up the tree which you can put your whole arm in, the weight of the bough that extends over our neighbours garden is being supported from that area.

 

The leaves of the tree look healthy and we got a very large crop of acorns and leaves in the previous years.

 

I will attach photos to the post. Please feel free to look at them and please do reply.

 

Photos: https://goo.gl/photos/ccaWgobH1J8PhvR88

 

Thank you,

Stuart

[MrSwadge]

 

 

Fungus top right...

 

 

 

Below: Bough on left extends over neighbours garden and the dark area on the trunk has a very large hole which you can stick your entire arm into...

 

 

Below: Not mentioned in the post, but where it looks like a bough previously fell off the tree, it has a black substance visible in and around the hole.

 

 

Below: Some more fungus on the opposite side of the tree.

 

 

Below: The entire tree.

 

[MrSwadge]

Just for information, these are some of the places I've looked at around the web which made me think it might be Laetiporus sulphureus...

 

• species identification - Yellow/Orange Fungus on Oak Tree - Biology Stack Exchange
  
• http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/fungi-pictures/86425-laetiporus-sulphureus.html
  
• http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/fungi-pictures/17038-laetiporus-sulphureus.html
  
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laetiporus_sulphureus
  

[Gary Prentice]

It looks like Lati. How significant its colonisation actually is and recommendations for further action ( if necessary) can't be determined from a few photos and a description.

 

I would only say to get a suitably qualified, experienced and insured (Professional Indemnity) consultant to advise you after some on site investigation.

[MrSwadge]

Hi Gary,

 

Thanks for coming back so quickly. I will try to source a local arborist to investigate further. Any idea of the approximate cost so I know what to expect?

 

Thanks,

Stuart

[Gary Prentice]

If you post your area up, one of the members on here would probably be able to help you regarding a cost.

 

You need an arboriculturist- a specialist in trees rather than an arborist who is someone who pruned/fells trees. Make sure that whoever you employ is appropriately insured.

[MrSwadge]

Hi Gary,

 

Thanks again. We're based in Hertfordshire.

 

Cheers,

Stuart

[Gary Prentice]

Paul Melarange (he's on here) is based at Bishops Stortford and I'm not sure, but think that Capel Manor (Enfield) may have in house consultants. I think Jon Heauch is Storrford way too.

[kev7937]

If you post your area up, one of the members on here would probably be able to help you regarding a cost.

 

 

 

You need an arboriculturist- a specialist in trees rather than an arborist who is someone who pruned/fells trees. Make sure that whoever you employ is appropriately insured.

 

 

I've never heard those definitions before, always thought they were the same thing.

[Gary Prentice]

If I can remember the definition from collage, an arboriculturist is a specialist in the growth, care and management of urban trees, having knowledge of tree physiology, tree pathogens etc.

[Paul Melarange]

Paul Melarange (he's on here) is based at Bishops Stortford and I'm not sure, but think that Capel Manor (Enfield) may have in house consultants. I think Jon Heauch is Storrford way too.

 

Thanks Gary 👍 yes I would certainly be interested.