Golden Bough

I was called out to look at a Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) recently. The top 2 metres of the main leader was dead (Image 1). Below the dead section the stem has a cavity with good reactionary wood around it. At the rear right of the trunk there was a column of decay approximately 10cm wide and 150cm high (Image 2). There is a an allotment, with a plot, over the fence and I suspected root damage from working the plot. On a closer look I found decay at the base of the right side of the tree (Images 3 & 4) and a very subtle fungus on the ground at the front of the tree (Images 5,6,7,8,9,10 & 11). There is also decay on the on the left hand limb / fork (Image 12) with good reactionary wood. The closet identification I can make of the fungus is Perenniporia fraxinea (Image 13). If anyone can confirm this, it would be greatly appreciated. Regards. Golden Bough

Thank you Ben for the ID. I have been researching Meripilus giganteus in my spare moments. I understand there is much debate as too its dangers. I will meet with the property owners where the tree resides next weekend (I never much liked the idea of tree ownership). The tree is within 5 metres to 2 houses and I hope to be informed as possible when I speak to them. There is a williness on their part to retain tree, this was pre identification however. Apologies Nepia for the tardiness in replying. I have only recently set up business and find I have little time to sit at the computer after work, family and home commitments. I appreciate your concern for what might become of the Wood and will make sure whatever the outcome it won't go to waste. Thank you Derek, though it seems I will need to more homework. Any help with ID ing this fungi and it's possible effects are greatly appreciated. Thank you

Hello. I worked on a Pagoda Tree (Styphnolobium japonicum), in Cambridge, over the weekend. The upper crown was quite scrappy with low vigour, but the lower canopy was a lot healthier. There was a lot of deadwood throughout entire crown. I worked on this tree (a light thin) 3 to 4 years ago and it what a lot healthier looking then. I discovered a bracket at the base of the tree (images 1,2,3,4), another fungus close by (images 5,6,7) and then more traditional looking mushrooms around the tree (images 8,9,10). I'll be honest, I have worked with trees for 20 years now but always neglected fungi, something I am trying to remedy since the beginning of the year. Any help with identifying these fungi would be greatly appreciated