The following fungi are specifically dangerous for your trees’ structural integrity and health. If these fungi are seen on trees, you should call professional tree surgeons for advice as soon as possible. The fungi below are quite common in the UK.

 

Trees affected with the following fungi are often recommended for felling and removal. Douglas Fir Tree Care are able to help you identify and if necassar remove fungi infestations.

Dangerous Fungi 1: Ganoderma

 

A semicircular, firm, pitted upper, stalkless growth on lower area of tree, brown or grey -’Bracket’ fungi, is most likely a Ganoderma of some kind. Ganoderma bracket fungi are poisonous and compromise the structural stability of trees.

 

Read the Ganoderma Fungus Factsheet

Dangerous Fungi 2: King Alfred’s Cakes

 

Black ‘balls’ appearing on (or spreading to live wood from) dead branches, firm, dense, occasionally in clumps are Daldinia Concentirica (King Alfred’s Cakes!). Daldinia Concentirica are poisonous and compromises the structural integrity of upper parts of the tree.

 

Read the Daldinia Concentirica Factsheet

Dangerous Fungi 3: Honey Fungus (Armillaria)

 

Mushrooms appearing around the base of the tree, or up to 15ft away from trunk, yellowish/orange, up to 10cm high in clumps is often a sign of Honey Fungus. Black ‘bootlaces’ may also appear underground and embedded within the tree; most noticeable is the white fungus (mycelium) beneath the bark. Honey fungus is also poisonous raw (although apparently can be cooked) and will compromise the structural stability of the tree.

 

Read the Honey Fungus Factsheet

Dangerous Fungi 4: Ustulina Deusta

 

A black tar-like carpet of pitted bumps and lumps with some white patches around the base of tree or on dead stumps, this is likely to be Ustulina Deusta. These dangerous fungi can cover areas up to a meter long, often found in an open wound on a tree, in a crack or crevice in deeper fissures near the base of the tree. Ustulina Deusta is another poisonous fungi that will compromise the structure of a tree.

 

Read the Ustulina Deusta Factsheet

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If you see any of these dangerous fungi, it is important to contact a professional tree surgeon to deal with the problem so that trees will not damage property should their structure become unsound because of the fungi.

 

Please do not touch or eat fungi as many are unsafe. The fungi mentioned above are all poisonous and you are highly recommended to call professional tree surgeons or Arborists to advice on the best remedy or removal method.

 

Douglas Fir Tree Care are able to advise and help with your tree problems, for your free consultation or advice please feel free to contact by email

 

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