Fungi, while fascinating, they can also be quite alarming when spotted around your trees or landscape. Ultimately, each species of fungi have a purpose, which is to decompose any decaying matter within nature. Fungi is usually a good sign that shows soil fertility, and mycorrhizal fungi in your soil are key to good health for your entire landscape. But not all fungi tell you a good story. If you see any fungal conks growing right on your tree trunk, it is time to call in the tree professionals. Read on to learn more!
What Exactly Are Fungal Conks?
Fungal conks are essentially the fruiting bodies of mycelium. Mycelium is known as the fungi’s vegetative system that is usually growing underground or under the bark of your trees. If you have ever dug through some thick mulch that has white stands holding pieces together, then you’ve seen mycelium. When found in mulch or soil, this is probably a good thing, as it is just decaying the mulch. However, if you see a visible fruiting body, or a fungal conk, growing on the trunk of your trees, then your trees are infected by fungus and not the good type.
What Is It Doing to My Trees?
Fungal pathogens enter your tree through the open wounds in the bark or root system of your tree. The most common type of injury or damage to your trees is caused by any improper pruning, weed trimmers, mowers, construction, or wildlife like squirrels. These fungal infections can be thriving in your tree for a long time before the fruiting bodies even appear. Fungal conks can pop up anywhere on your tree but are most commonly seen on the very base of your trunk, especially at the root flare of your tree. As the infection grows, it will break down and degrade the cellulose tissue.
My Tree Has Fungal Conks. What Should I Do?
If the fungal infection is isolated into a single branch and caught early enough, the infected branch can be removed to save your tree. Certain nutrient injections or other treatments could be applied to the tree to help slow down the infection and help your tree recover if the infection isn’t spread too far. If you notice any fungi on your tree, give the arborists and tree experts from Harford Tree a call!
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh, and Middle River. For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.