Aug 17, 2011
Some fungal diseases can cause decay in the wood of living trees. Wood decay makes trees hazardous, because the trunks and limbs become unable to support their own weight. Both ornamental and fruit trees are at risk.
Damage from decay fungi is not always visible from the outside of a tree. The exceptions are: where the bark has been cut or injured; when a cavity is present; or when the rot fungi produce reproductive structures.
UC’s Wood Decay Fungi in Landscape Trees is a great resource for those wishing to learn more.
Topics include:
- Damage
- Identification and biology
- Management
On pages 3 and 4, photos of various wood decay fungi along with common hosts and symptoms are included.
Armillaria mellea mushrooms occur in clusters, never singly, and grow directly on the lower trunk or lateral roots of infected trees. Photo by Bruce Hagen.
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