Fighting Fungal Infestation on Trees: How to Remove Tree Fungi

Tree fungi are by no means always as harmless as the external appearance suggests. Many of the numerous varieties can seriously threaten the life of the tree. If the fruiting body shows up on the trunk, the fungal network inside the trunk has been gnawing the wood for years. Is It Too Late For Rescue Operations? Or can the fungus be driven out while the tree is still alive?

Importance and occurrence of tree fungi

Tree fungi are very important for the earth's ecosystem and can therefore be found everywhere in nature. Countless species help to decompose dead wood and thus provide new building material. They tidy up, so to speak, and thereby contribute to maintaining the life cycle.

• Distribution takes place via numerous fungal spores
• these are scattered from the visible fruiting body
• the mycelium (fungal network) grows secretly for years

The problem with tree fungi is that some species will attack a living tree and also decompose, albeit slowly, their healthy wood. And they don't stop at trees in our private gardens.

White rot, brown rot and mildew rot

The types of fungi differ in their degradation behavior and are roughly divided into three groups:
White rot
In the case of white rot, the wood component lignin is broken down. The wood becomes lighter, softer and fibrous. It swells up and thereby increases in volume.
Brown rot
In the case of brown rot, on the other hand, cellulose is broken down, which leads to brown discolouration in wood. First it breaks into pieces and later crumbles completely to dust.
Mold rot
Mold rot also decomposes very wet wood and is similar to brown rot.

Tree fungi are species-rich

While the fungal network spreads in the wood and does its work purposefully, it remains hidden from our eyes. Years can pass from the infection of the tree to the first visible sign, the fruiting body. It also reveals which fungus is in the wood. Since the species-rich family of tree fungi includes more than 1000 species, a hobby gardener will rarely recognize the type of fungus right away.

Colorful fruit bodies as an indication

The fruiting bodies of tree fungi are usually colorful and interestingly shaped. Often they are so big that they can hardly be overlooked. If a fruit tree in the garden shows such a fruiting body on the tree trunk, its appearance will help identify the type of fungus. Various image databases on the Internet can be searched in order to find a match with the native specimen. Since some types of mushrooms are more common, it also makes sense to consider these first:

• Oyster mushroom
• Honey mushroom, also called honey mushroom
• Sulfur porling
• Red-rimmed tree sponge
• Tinder fungus

When the fungus strikes

Living trees are not necessarily infected through contact with fungal spores. A healthy tree is well protected against such a threat. The situation is different with ailing or sick trees. If the spores are also given an open entry gate, the conditions for fungal colonization are optimal.

Living with the tree fungus

If the tree owner has discovered the fruiting body and has thus clearly identified the fungus, his hands are still largely tied. If the fruiting body is removed, it does not help the infested tree, because the fungal network inside causes the damage. However, effective control of the fungal network is not possible for two reasons, even if savvy fungicide suppliers occasionally claim this.

• the fungal network is difficult to access inside
• the wood has been irreversibly damaged for years

How the fungal attack progresses and what effects it has on the tree also depends on the type of fungus. However, the fact that a tree can continue to live with a tree fungus for years brings some consolation. Fruit trees can even continue to produce tasty fruit. The tree still has a life ahead of it, albeit a disturbed or disturbed one. shorter.

Sensible measures

While the life of an infested tree draws to its end with slow strides, it does not just have to be watched idly. For example, if the fruiting body shows up on a side branch, pruning can add a few years to the life of the tree.

• Remove the affected branch generously
• cut into healthy wood
• Dispose of cut tree parts or burn them

By removing the branch, you can control a large part of the fungal network. This significantly reduces the pressure of infestation.

Tip: Thoroughly disinfect the cutting tool before and after cutting so that no further transfers can occur.

Prevent spread

Removing the fruiting body won't help the infested tree itself, but it can help protect other trees in the garden. In the fruiting body, the spores ripen, which carry the potential for new tree fungi.

• Remove fruiting bodies
• immediately upon discovery
• even before the spores ripen

Tip: The fruiting body does not belong on the compost heap, but in the residual waste. In the event that there are mature spores in it, they cannot be dangerous.

Prevention is the best protection

If you discover a tree fungus on a tree trunk, it is too late for that tree because you cannot fight the fungus effectively. However, what you can do is protect the trees that are still healthy. This is done by keeping them healthy and resilient through species-appropriate living conditions.

• regularly check for diseases and pests
• fight these early with suitable measures
• possibly. robust resp. grow resistant varieties

When planting, pay attention to the optimal location where the tree can thrive in a species-appropriate manner. Inquire about his care needs so that he can receive the best possible care year after year.

Be careful with cutting measures

Often, cutting fruit trees cannot be avoided, be it for a better crown structure, to promote fruit formation or as a measure for various diseases. But every cutting measure also leaves open interfaces through which fungal spores can get into the interior of the tree unhindered.

• only cut if absolutely necessary
• inform about suitable cutting techniques
• Use sharp and disinfected cutting tools
• Keep cut surfaces as small as possible
• cut on dry days
• possibly. Seal the cut surfaces "professionally"

Not only cutting with the pruning shears leaves open wounds, mowing the lawn can also lead to injuries to the tree trunk, through which fungal spores can then penetrate. When digging, be careful not to damage the roots.

Check stability

The longer the mycelium gnaws at the tree trunk, the faster the tree loses stability. However, a rotten tree can easily fall over and cause serious damage. Yes, it can even injure people and animals in the process. How things stand with the stability of a tree cannot necessarily be seen from the outside.

• possibly. hire a tree expert or a tree inspector
• necessary examinations are carried out
• the stability is determined in this way

A tree surveyor costs money, but the expense can be worthwhile. The damage caused by a tree toppling can be many times that. This is especially the case when the tree is close to buildings.

Felling and clearing trees

If a tree in the garden has been so damaged by a long-standing fungal attack that it no longer has sufficient stability, it must be felled. It also makes sense to remove the roots from the soil right away.

• not all trees may be felled without authorization
• official approval is required for some specimens
• ask the municipal administration

Don't worry, if a rotten tree is dangerous, the permit will be issued without any problems.

Let die in peace until the "last wooden cell"

If a diseased tree does not pose a threat, it can remain in the garden until the last remnant has been made to disappear by nature. If you can make friends with a rotten tree trunk, leave it where it is. Numerous microorganisms will love it and find shelter or food in it.

• possibly. see it as a design element
• for example greenery with climbing plants
• Flowering climbing plants that grow quickly are also ideal