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]

A few years ago (3 or 4 maybe) we discovered another fungus on the tree. We think it was a Beefsteak fungus, "Fistulina hepatica". It's not been back since then, but I've just read that this is also a possible sign of problem with the tree too.

 

We're certainly in need of a visit to investigate. I will phone the local council to see if we need to get permission for the tree investigation and get back to you. The tree is under a TPO.

 

Cheers,

Stuart

[Gary Prentice]

Investigations, even if invasive (resistograph) don't need consent.

 

F.h can be present for 50 years or more in durable species like oak, so may not be too much of a consideration in a tree with good vitality. But again, it adds weight to the need to employ a specialist to determine an appropriate course of action.

[MrSwadge]

Thanks Gary 👍 yes I would certainly be interested.

 

Great, I found you on google and will be in touch soon. Good website by the way, some great tree shots on there

 

The beefsteak fungus we have only seen once shortly after we moved into the property. It hasn't been back to our knowledge. I think we took it off and brown binned it. We've only been in the property for around 3-4 years, so previous history is a bit of an unknown. I can fill you in with any other information when we sort out a good date/time.

 

Cheers for all the help!

 

Stuart

[Brynhyffryd]

The LA responsible for your TPO should be able to advise, ours is brilliant.

[MrSwadge]

I phoned the council and they didn't really seem to know, so I'm going to apply to be safe. When it's accepted I'll be in touch.

[Paul Melarange]

Great, I found you on google and will be in touch soon. Good website by the way, some great tree shots on there

 

The beefsteak fungus we have only seen once shortly after we moved into the property. It hasn't been back to our knowledge. I think we took it off and brown binned it. We've only been in the property for around 3-4 years, so previous history is a bit of an unknown. I can fill you in with any other information when we sort out a good date/time.

 

Cheers for all the help!

 

Stuart

 

Thanks Stuart, glad you like the website 😀

 

Just to let you know, there are no aspects of the initial investigation that I would undertake that would require permission from the LPA (unless there is dense epicormic growth (shoots/branches) obscuring the base of the trunk).

 

I look forward to hearing from you.