Fungi on trees is a prevalent problem that can come in many forms. Ranging from innocuous shelf mushrooms to deadly infections, it’s best to deal with these quickly.
Brothers in Arms, Destin’s emergency tree service, is here to help. While you cannot cure the host tree completely, there is much you can do to help it recover. With the proper treatment, you can repress the fungal network, allowing the tree’s natural systems to heal from the infection.
What Are Dangerous Tree Fungi?
Fungi growth on trees is never optimal, but shelf mushrooms form a symbiotic relationship that does little harm to the tree roots and bark. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same for the following fungi:
- Powdery mildew
- Sooty mold
- Butt rot
- Root rot
- Oak wilt
- Apple scab disease
- Heart rot
- Cedar apple rust
- Rhizosphaera needle cast
The primary issue with these types of fungi on trees is that it’s difficult to assess the damage until it’s too late. Some attack the plant roots underground, so you don’t see the danger until the tree starts dying. Others are a little more obvious in that they affect the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.
Whatever the cause, you need expert assistance on how to proceed. When environmental conditions are favorable, the fungi can spread like wildfire from one tree to the next. While this is not dangerous to you and your family, it can devastate other plants.
How Does One Tree Infect Another?
Fungal spores spread on the wind, in the rain, with animal or human movement, or through contaminated tools. You could hike in the forest, pick up spores on your boots or clothes, and unwittingly infect your trees at home. Fungal spores are all around us.
Why Don’t All Trees Become Infected?
Healthy trees are immune to many ailments. If a fungal spore lands on healthy wood, it won’t be able to take hold.
Could Your Tree Have a Fungal Disease?
Your tree might have a fungal disease if you notice the following signs:
- Abnormal growth or scabs
- Discoloration of the leaves, bark, or roots
- Wilting leaves
- Visible fungus
- A dusty residue or sticky coating on the bark
- Soggy areas of the bark or root
- Loss of leaves or branches during the growing season
What Should You Do?
Treating the issue yourself is unwise, as ineffective treatments give the fungus time to spread. Your best chance of saving the tree and the ones around it is to call in our professional team. We’ll examine the tree carefully, diagnose the issue, and create a workable treatment strategy.
Our professional arborists will consider tactics to save the tree and restore its health. In instances where the damage is too severe, we may recommend removal.
Contact Your Local Tree Specialists for Assistance
Do you think you see signs of tree diseases or fungi on trees? Would you like to learn if your trees are healthy or not? Contact Brothers in Arms at (850) 461-9500 to schedule a thorough evaluation and receive the best advice.