David Humphries

Daedaleopsis confragosa, blushing bracket. what was the host?

Meripilus on a couple of red oaks

Excellent ! we talking secateurs or bonsai clippers? .

What tends to govern which technology you use in decay mapping Paul, is it ease of use, trunk size, location of dysfunction or other?

Good article by John, here's a link to the LTOA guidance document (Surface materials around trees in hard landscape) that he mentions above. https://www.ltoa.org.uk/surface-materials-around-trees-document/file .

Agreed https://arbtalk.co.uk/forums/topic/54051-can-anyone-identify-the-cause-of-these-deformities/ .

Ta, that's a rather wistful, younger looking me Photographer said, pretend to look at something magical occuring up in the canopy.........I was thinking, I'm gonna look like a right pratt Ha !

Thank you Paul, glad you found it of interest. Ali & I found the interaction with Duncan Slater thought provoking & inspiring. Do Barton Hyett Associates use use micro drill or tomography, or both?

'The hidden heath' David Humphries, trees management officer Hampstead Heath The following article is taken from a series looking at the hidden treasures to be found in London. Lonely Planet Magazine January 2012 Words by Matt Bolton Main Photo Matt Munro David Humphries on Sandy Heath. His latest obsession is studying how fungi and trees cohabit. 'You don't just stumble across this place,' says David Humphries a man whose excitement at clambering up the nearest trunk puts even the keenest five-year-old to shame. 'It's a place for locals only really. You'll be lucky to see two or three dog walkers a day here, unlike the rest of the park.' Here on Sandy Heath - a serene wooded Glen in the western section - there is a preternatural serenity. It's difficult to believe that this peace can be found just a couple of miles from the frantic tumult of the City, nor in an open space that attracts seven million visitors a year. 'In spring, when it's in full leaf,' says David, 'you can't hear anything except the rustle of leaves.' David has worked at the Heath since 1985 first joining as a sixteen year old apprentice. Despite being London bred, he says that he was never a city type, and was always drawn to a more rural lifestyle. The remarkable character of Hampstead Heath has allowed David to fulfil his dream. Unlike London's more sedate Royal Parks, the true mark of the wild remains in the Heath. Trees are allowed to grow in crooked angles or to fall to the floor, and dead stumps slowly rot (they are a vital habitat for insects and bats) while leaves are left to pile up and decompose. 'Some other parks are more sanitised, like a Victorian pleasure park, 'says David. 'Every leaf is cleaned away so people don't get their shoes dirty. On the Heath, we're more about leaving nature to its own devise.' A short walk from Sandy Heath are the ruins of Pitts garden, which once belonged to the 18th century prime minister, William Pitt the Elder. A red-brick arch is all that remains, incongruous amid the woodland. A huge Beech has sprung up beside it, the roots pushing the wall of the arch over to such a crazy angle that David had to insert a support frame to stop it keeling over- a quick intervention to satisfy both the historians and the naturalists. Across the road is the Hill Garden, perhaps the greatest of all the heaths hidden treasures. The huge stately home had been turned in to luxury flats, but the long serpentine pergola walkway that winds its way above the grounds for a third of a mile is open to the public. It's stone path is lined with pillars that in spring are wound with wisteria and roses. 'Spring is a time of natural noise. You can actually hear the sap rising,' says David. 'Summer is a time of buzz, the insects and crickets. And the winter is a time of dormancy and silence. That's my favourite time of the year , when the Heath feels at complete peace' The viaduct bridge was built in 1845 as part of a failed attempt to turn the Heath into private gardens. Hampstead Heath, NW3

Can early stage decay caused by Kretzschmaria deusta be detected & differentiated from other types of decay using a micro-drill? David Humphries and Alasdair Nicoll City of London Corporation Arborists – Hampstead Heath, North London Open Spaces There have been suggestions that some decay detection equipment like the IML Resi PD400 may struggle to detect the early stages of decay caused by fungi species like Kretzschmaria deusta, which are known to exhibit a soft rot mode of decay, 1 sometimes referred to as a ‘facilitative rot’ mode, meaning it’s establishing conditions for the progress of decay. We decided to test this theory by comparing a cross-section of a failed lime tree against micro-drill readings taken from different points around the circumference through sound, dysfunctional and decayed wood. For the tests described in this article we have used the IML Resi PD400. It is a micro drill used for tree & utility pole inspection that tests for resistance through a given wood volume. A consistent force is applied and measured. As the probe penetrates the volume the difference between denser and less dense wood is measured which then indicates wood condition. #jscode# The IML Resi PD series has the option of 5 needle speed settings that govern rpm & rate of feed. Different speed enables the probe to pass through differing densities of the wood volume. It is worth considering that amplitude (height of the reading) can be read higher up the Y axis based upon the speed setting of the needle. Amplitude is not a literal reading of the wood quality it is simply a change in resistance and should not be taken as a signature for any specific decay species and/or type. Main types of decay Soft rot/facilitative rot – Wood initially becomes brittle due to cellulose degradation. This often results in ceramic brittle fracture of affected parts, should they fail. Example: Kretzschmaria deusta 2 Brown rot – This rot type primarily degrades cellulose and hemicellulose, leaving the lignin intact. Wood shrinks noticeably in volume, sometimes cracking, becomes lighter and more prone to fracture across the wood grain. Example: Laetiporus sulphureus 2 White rot – This type of rot can degrade all three major constituents of wood: cellulose, hemicellulose & lignin. Two different types of white rot are commonly reported: Simultaneous white rot – all three constituents are broken down at similar rates. E.g. Fomes fomentarius 2 Selective white rot – lignin & hemicellulose are broken down initially, leaving cellulose relatively unaffected. Wood becomes soft, lighter in weight and colour and often much more stringy/fibrous. E.g. Ganoderma sp 2 in this article we look predominantly at a test case involving early and late stage decay caused by K. deusta within the same tree & how they can be identified across a set of IML Resi PD400 readings. Context During zonal inspection in 2012 fruit bodies of K.deusta were first noted on a mature common lime tree (Tilia x europaea) growing beside a well used pedestrian avenue in north London. The canopy was reduced to balance the weight of tree away from the footpath at that time. Cracks were then identified on the trees buttresses on the path side during the winter of 2015. The following observations outlined in this article have been produced in the field testing only a narrow range of specimens and not under laboratory conditions, measurements are approximate. The IML Resi PD400 readings are consistent with examples taken on other cross sections and standing trees. Observations of decay After the failure of the subject tree we had the opportunity to test a decayed section of the tree by taking a 4cm thick cross section of the lower stem and buttresses. Readings were taken by drilling through five locations using the IML Resi PD400 to observe the mechanical differences across between intact (sound) wood, early stage decay (including reaction zone) and late stage decay that had the consistency of a severe white rot. In our opinion this may be late stage K.deusta decay or a separate white rot species. Figures 1 and 2 above; The lime, showing separation cracks at ground level and fruiting bodies of K. deusta Figures 1 and 2 above; Post failure images showing where the lower buttresses have fractured. Figures 5 and 6 above; A 4cm thick cross section of the lower stem and buttresses. Test A A 40 cm IML Resi reading (to be read from right to left) from the outer bark through the early stage decay caused by K. deusta in the sap wood then in to the late stage decay in the centre of the section and then back into early stage decay. (Graph 1 to be read from right to left) Interpretation The Test A reading (Graph 1) first shows 3 cm of bark followed by irregular rising peaks and troughs as the drill passed through the early stage decay between approximately 3 & 23.5 cm. This can be seen accentuated by the higher green reading (needle speed torque resistance) There is then a significant drop off in the reading from 23.5 cm where the needle penetrates the late stage decay for another 14 cm and then continues into the early stage decay for the last 3 cm of the reading & can be seen as a rise in the graph. Both resistances, torque (green) and penetrating (blue) can be seen as higher across the graph within the early stage decay zone than it can in the late stage decay area due to there being increased resistance to the drill. Figure 7 above; The path of test A. Graph 1: Test A reading. Test B A 40 cm reading was taken as a control drilling through an intact part of the cross section which is functional wood (Figure 8 and Graph 2) Interpretation This test was taken to provide a ‘normal’ reading where there was no decay in the cross section. The green & blue readings show a consistent resistance to penetration (blue) and consistent slight increase in resistance to torque (green) due to frictional drag along the drill bit. (The drop off at the end is due to the needle exiting the cross section underneath) Figure 8: The path of Test B Graph 2: Test B reading Test C A 40 cm IML Resi PD reading taken drilling through outer functional sapwood, then through the early stage decay & in to late stage decay. Interpretation Test C is a combination between tests A & B, as it shows both intact functional wood between 1-13 cm, early stage/dysfunction between 13 – 26 cm & late stage decay from 26 cm. The peak at 37 cm is a pocket of significantly denser wood within the more decayed part of the section. Figure 9: The path of Test C Graph 3: Test C reading Test D 40 cm IML Resi PD400 reading taken to attempt to observe if there was any noticeable effect on the reading from the presence of pseudosclerotial plates (black demarcation lines) within the cross section. Interpretation The above reading appears to suggest that the pseudosclerotial plates could possibly be differentiated as there is a peak at 16 cm where the first black line shows at the crossing point between two red lines labelled C and D on the cross section. Figure 10 above: The path of Test D. Graph 4: Test D reading. Test E The following is a shorter (15 cm) IML Resi PD400 reading taken to assess a noticeable reaction zone. Interpretation Beyond the functional sapwood where the graph (below) shows a consistent level reading between 3-7 cm, there is then what we perceive to be a definite (green coloured) reaction zone between 7- 8.5 cm which seems to show as more erratic peaking than the functional wood immediately to the right. The above image appears to show a different level of moisture content in the span of the reaction zone in between the adjacent wet sound and dried decayed wood sections. As found by Pearce (2000)3 This would indicate the changing from functional, through dysfunctional then into decayed wood. The following example and reading is from a different fallen lime also with evident fruiting bodies of K. deusta at its base, which again appears to show the reaction zone between early stage decay and intact sapwood. Both torque (green) and penetration (blue) increase in resistance between 4 -5.5 cm before going into the decayed section. Figure 11: The path of Test E. Graph 5: Test E reading. Test F Figure 12 and Graph 6 show a different fallen lime, also with evident fruiting bodies of K. deusta at its base. The short cm reading again appears to show the reaction zone between early stage decay and intact sapwood. Both torque (green) and penetration (blue) increase in resistance between 4cm and 5.5cm before going into the decayed section. Figure 12 above: Test F: a second fallen lime was tested Graph 6: Test F Reading from the second fallen lime. Figures13 and 14: (above) a standing lime infected on one side by K.deusta was the subject of tests G and H Test G and H The next example is a standing lime infected on one side by K. deusta. Which was drilled to show that the decay is detectable without seeing it through a cross section. The first graph (on the left) reads through the decayed portion of the trunk clearly evident at the outer edge of the stem near to fruiting bodies. The second graph (on the right) was taken on the opposite side of the trunk through functional wood and then into decayed portion of the trunk. Interpretation The left graph shows significantly decayed wood through the entire reading whilst the graph on the right shows functional wood until approximately 14.5 cm where the early stage decay extends to. Graphs and 8: Tests G and H: Readings from the tree in Figures 13 and 14. Visual comparison of other decay types Here we look at observations of the brown rot caused by Laetiporus sulphureus within oak with the associated IML Resi PD400 reading. Brown rot Test I Interpretation Graph 9 shows functional intact wood from 2 – 15 cm, then the drops off indicating significant brown rot with almost negligible resistance (blue) before penetrating sound wood again. There is some shaft resistance indicated by the blue penetrating force rather than dropping to zero level. If this was early stage decay of K. deusta, this section of the graph (between 17 cm – 28 cm). would show as a higher and more erratic reading of penetration force. Figure 15: Test I: oak with brown rot caused by L. sulphureus Graph 9: Test I: Reading from the tree in figure 15 White Rot Test J Below the white rot image (Figure 16) shows similar texture & degradation to the late stage decay in Test A. This image is purely an example of the white rot type of Ganoderma australe on ash. Interpretation The above graph shows a short span of early stage white rot then through in to late stage white rot. Figure 16: Test J: white rot type of Ganoderma australe within ash Graph 10: reading from the tree in Figure 16. Conclusion So, can early stage decay of K. deusta be detected & differentiated from other decay types using a micro drill? The offered examples shown throughout this article consistently demonstrate that the decay of K. deusta can be detected via the use of a IML Resi PD400 & decay types can be differentiated by their signature readings, for example the graph of Test A against the brown rot graph. Having looked for change in resistance at the point of psuedoslerotial plates in Test E, we have not found anything concrete to suggest that a micro drill can pick up on the demarcation lines but it is evident that the IML Resi PD400 can show different intensities within the same decay. Diagnosis should not wholly rely on a single IML Resi PD400 reading as although decay associated with K. deusta can be detected, a practitioner should also rely on additional clues like multiple fruiting around the circumference, body language and growing knowledge based on field observations of instances of inspection, failure, dysfunction & autopsy. This mirrors the reasoning that tree inspection is an art as well as a science. Acknowledgements We are grateful to Duncan Slater (Senior lecturer in arboriculture at Myerscough College) for his valuable comments and engaging us to reassess the complexity around K. deusta as a soft/facilitative decay type during the process of writing this article. Also the City of London Corporation, in facilitating the time to explore the subject to this degree. References 1 Lonsdale, D. Principles of Tree Hazard Assessment and Management. Forestry Commission 1999 2 Watson, G. Green, T. Fungi on Trees - An Arborists’ Field Guide. Arboricultural Association 2011 3 Pearce R. B. Decay development and its restriction in trees; Journal of Arboriculture 26 (1) 2000 Schwarze, F. W.M.R. Engels, J. Mattheck, C. Fungal Strategies of Wood Decay in Trees. Springer 2000 Webber, K. Mattheck, C. Manual of Wood decays in Trees. Arboricultural Association 2003 All images are the authors own: [email protected] This article was first published in the Arb Magazine, Issue, Summer 2015 View full article

Oh dear, there's a worryingly crazed fungal look in them there eyes. Lol ! and that hinge was rubbish btw .

Some of day's fungal discoveries........... Geastrum sp (possibly G. triplex) Helvella crispa Lots of Fistulina hepatica about Inonotus hispidus mycorrhizas associating with birch, including Russula rosea and an as yet unidentified white thing with decurrent gills? and The relatively rare Podoscypha multizonata going nuts on the roots of a line of oaks. 4 of the podo's around this particular tree (below), with another couple on two other oaks further down the line.

That's a really good post Sean, and a great set of images. I think it's encouraging to see positive examples of urban reclamation. .

Brown heart rot - Fistulina hepatica, and the root sapwood decayer - Collybia fuisipes Canopy in decline, but previously reduced so just monitoring .

That's a fairly big dense sail. Canopy reduction looks to be a minimum if it's staying. is this a Bristol tree that is a prime example of no inspection/no work due to reduced budget...........? .

Pretty significant fruiting there Sean. if you find out anymore regarding the management history (if you get through to the council) could you try and find out whether there was any decay mapping undertaken? .

London’s fruit tree heritage and hidden orchards Remnant veteran pear tree in Victorian planted orchard at Golders Hill Park in north London There are an estimated 400,000 apple trees spread across London today, this is approximately 5% of greater London’s 8 million trees. For many centuries whilst London was still growing, there was a need to feed the city’s population with local produce, many large commercial market gardens and fruit tree orchards would of been found in and around the capital supplying the market traders with apples, pears, medlar's, quince and mulberry's. Same orchard as the pear above, taken circa 1920's But with a growing need for housing these enterprises eventually succumbed to become the building sites of the urban sprawl and the fruit trees would have been mostly felled. The occasional tree escaped the axe and would of been left at the back of long narrow gardens hidden away to all but the home owner and the wildlife that would make the most of natures free food. Many of these trees would have grown tall and leggy and lappsed out of cycle of being productive fruit producers due to the lack of light, correct pruning and good maintenance. Remnants of this market garden heritage remain throughout the capital, in private back gardens, parks and public squares. A number of areas across London still retain names associated with a fruity heritage such as Plumstead (place of plum trees) Perivale (pear tree valley) and many street names perhaps reflect a link to their past via their fruit tree names. Heathrow airport's runways have replaced orchard nurseries, just a few meters away from the cemetery where Richard Cox is buried, the gardener who developed the Cox Orange Pippin. Today there is a resurgence in fruit trees being planted in gardens with garden centers and nurseries providing a wide choice of old and new varieties and for old veteran fruit trees to be restored and conserved by skilled arborist. There is also a concerted effort to discover hidden orchard remnants in public parks and to bring them back to being productive trees for local community and school projects. Apples harvest from my own old remnant apple tree in the back garden in north London Recently I had the pleasure of supping cider from a newly formed brewing company in London called Local Fox Their cider and apple juice is crafted from apples harvested across the capital by volunteer orchardists. Very nice it was too........hic ! https://www.theorchardproject.org.uk/drinks/ For more information on this visit the website of the Orchard project. http://www.theorchardproject.org.uk/home Video on how to restore old fruit trees by the Vetree project http://www.vetree.eu/en/page/86/Video+fruit+trees .

G. australe would not be good. How exposed is the tree at its current height?

I couldn't make a judgement like that without actually seeing the tree in its situation. It really all depends on which species of Gano it is. If the brackets are applanatum then the mycelium is acting on dysfunctional wood volumes in a saprotrophyc nature, but if the brackets are australe/adspersum then its more likely to be actively digesting the structural wood volumes which will likely make the tree more unstable as time goes by. Was the tree originally twin stemmed?

Hello Jonny This is Sparassis crispa (Wood Cauliflower fungus) Nice example Don't think we had good enough images of it at the time we put the app together. Creates brown rot of the heartwood and roots. .

http://www.londonfungusgroup.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Ganoderma.pdf

Spore size is the only reliable way to distinguish between the two species but a slice which shows flesh and tubes 'may' indicate one or the other depending on the presence of trama layers in the flesh. this article looks at the two species in terms of identification

A still image from a great video of the Knepp rewilding project that Ted Green shared earlier that shows a lesser spotted wood pecker feeding in the decayed wood volumes created by the colonisation of the red banded polypore, (Fomitopsis pinicola) video link here..... https://knepp.co.uk/rewildingkneppvideo/ .

That's a really good link Tony, thanks for sharing