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There are several pests and diseases that can affect or infect trees. Some are quite serious and can cause structural failure and render the tree dangerous. Others are only superficial or cosmetic. Here are some of the more common diseases with photographs. By removing the the fruiting body of fungi, it doesn't remove the problem. The fruiting body appears after the tree has already become infected!
Meripilus Giganteus (Giant Polypore) This is one of the most dangerous decay fungi. Found mainly on Beech trees (fagus sylvatica) but rarely on Oak or other broadleaved trees. This is a white rot root decay fungi. The crown of the tree may not show any distress but the tree is at high risk of wind throw. Once this fungi has been detected it is strongly recommended to fell the tree at once!
Here you can see the Giant Polypore fungus on the base of a Beech tree.
With a safety helmet placed on top - you can more easily see it's enormity.
Piptoporus Betulinus (Razor Strop Fungus) This is a stem decay fungi found almost exclusively on Birch trees (Betula). It is a brown rot decay fungi and severely weakens the main stem of the tree. Prompt felling of affected trees is necessary!
This picture shows young fruiting bodies on a fallen Birch tree.
Laeiporus Sulphurous (Chicken of the woods) This is a stem and sometimes root decay fungi. The heart of the wood and the roots decay over several years and will eventually lead to wind snap or wind throw.
This is Chicken of the woods on an Oak tree.
Picture description pending -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ganoderma Applanatum Beech
Picture description pending -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ganoderma decay on stump
Picture description pending -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ganoderma on Beech
Picture description pending
Mainly found on oak Infection and decay is mainly found in the root buttress area.
The Fungus can be seen at the foot of the trunk --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A much closer view --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A detailed view
Picture description pending --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Picture description pending
Fruiting bodies appear mainly at ground level but sometimes on the stem. They attack the cambium of the roots first before decaying the wood. These pictures show a severe attack on a tree stump and the surrounding roots.
A tree stump and it's surrounding roots severely attacked by Honey Fungus. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Honey Fungus at the root --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Honey Fungus close to the stump
These fungi are ground based. The stems are attached to the infected roots. They are similar to Honey fungus but do not have the collar like ring on the stem or bootlace like rhizomorphs that Honey fungus has. The roots can become decayed the decay rarely enters the base of the tree Mainly found on oak but in this picture they are at the base of an ash and the stem is showing symptoms of Phytophthora (bleeding canker).
Here you can see the Collybia fusipes fungus at the base of a Ash tree.
Found on beech and other broadleaved trees. This fungus infects and decays the sapwood and heartwood of trees.
Fomes fomentarius on the side of a Beech tree.
This fungus is quite often found on fraxinus excelsior, although it can be found on other broadleaved trees. Picture one shows a fresh fruiting body on fraxinus excelsior, the picture was taken in early November 05. Picture two was taken in mid May 06 and shows the same fruiting body with an obvious different appearance. The fruiting bodies vary from two and a half inches to twelve inches across and one to four inches thick. When the brackets first appear they are fleshy with a light brown upper surface and a velvety appearance with a white under surface. Once the brackets become more mature they are much darker on the upper and under surfaces and they lose their soft velvety appearance. The decay of Inonotus hispidus has been classed as a white rot decay fungi, attacking cellulose and lignin at a similar rate especially on Ash. This affects the compression and tension timber at the same time, this in turn can cause the timber to become very brittle, depending on the characteristics of the timber infected. Ash is more seriously affected by Inonotus hispidus than most of the other broadleaved species.
A fresh fruiting body of Inonotus hispidus on fraxinus excelsior.
The same fruiting body 6 months later As with all fungi, check with an experienced qualified arborist before you condemn a tree. All climbers should assess infected trees before they ascend, taking into account the extent of decay, the tree species and the work that they intend to carry out.
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Please send mail to mark@marksplants.fsbusiness.co.uk with any questions or comments about this web site.Copyright © 2005 - 2009 Mark Kneller This website was designed and developed by DataWise.Other sites include:
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