TREE DISEASES www.valiantarborist.com
INTRODUCTION •
Trees are vulnerable to diseases like every other living organism. Trees require a sufficient supply of carbon dioxide, water, light and other nutrients from their environment for growth and development. An inadequacy of any of these nutrients may reduce growth and stress out the trees.
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Where a tree becomes stressed, it may lack the energy needed to produce essential defences and may become prone to diseases. Diseased trees eventually die, and it is quite tricky diagnosing the initial cause. This difficulty arises from the complexity of problems that may not be easily traced.
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For instance, drought may cause a tree to weaken and then make it susceptible to fungal attack. Also, environmental factors like storm wounds, pollution or temperature can affect the tree. Other times, two or more diseases may be accumulated in the tree. Diseases in trees are derived from fungi, viral or bacterial sources.
KINDS OF FUNGAL DECAY •
HONEY FUNGUS
The honey fungus grows in small clumps and tufts on the wood of trees. The colour of its cap is yellowish-brown, and whenever it is moist, its touch is sticky. They have a variety of shape from conical to convex with a space in the middle. This space is dependent on how old the fungus is. The trees either have rings on their stems or not, but they usually have spore prints in white.
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BEEFSTEAK FUNGUS
Beefsteak fungus has a tongue-like look and a reddish-brown colour, together with a roughened surface. Its underside has a creamy-white colour and constitutes of minute pores. When cut open, it produces a dull looking red juice, and its flesh looks meaty.
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TINDER FUNGUS
Tinder fungus also referred to a horse’s hoof fungus, is usually found on beech and birch trees. It may be used in fighting fires, as it can smoke for several hours. This particular kind of fungi is resilient and hard. They can remain alive for a very long time. They can also develop different colours of rings and circles.
BENEFITS OF FUNGI IN TREES •
Most times, a fungal disease can only be detected when the fruiting body of the mushrooms is physically apparent. By this time, it may be already late to take action. However, it is expedient to understand that not all types of fungi can pose damage to trees.
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Some kinds of fungi have a relationship that is mutually beneficial with the trees (symbiotic). This is where the fungi obtain energy from tree sugars. These tree sugars are made during the process of photosynthesis. Then the tree derives its benefit from the absorption of extra phosphorus and E nitrogen due to the soil’s final action.
TREATMENT OF FUNGI IN TREES It is unfortunate that diseased trees due to fungal decay cannot be cured or treated. Hence, as an essential aspect of gardening, prevention of the fungus from developing is necessary. The perfect defence against the development of mushroom is the maintenance of healthy trees.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST TREE DISEASES •
It is advisable to take preventive measures against diseases likely to attack your trees in a reasonable time. This will help keep your tree sustainable and fruitful.
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Just as you take cognisance of your body and environmental hygiene, your trees also require good health to survive. Biosecurity is vital to the prevention of the spread of tree diseases.
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Furthermore, you should always disinfect and clean tools, footwear, and vehicles during movement between sites. As regards ash trees that have been planted for about five years, frequently inspect them to ensure that they are free from any disease.
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Maintenance of a good surrounding that is free of dead branches and leaves should be a priority so that fungi will not have the opportunity to grow. And, if you need more information on tree diseases in the UK, tree fungus and how to identify tree fungus, Valiant Arborist is available to put you through.
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CONTACT VALIANT ARBORIST www.valiantarborist.com Address: Dozen and One Pudsey Hall Lane, Canewdon, Rochford, Essex, SS4 3RY Call: 01702 910 995 Email: info@valiantarborist.com