How To Identify and Treat Tree Fungal Infections

Tree fungi are a common problem for homeowners who cherish the aesthetic and environmental benefits of healthy trees on their property. When left untreated, fungal infections can weaken trees, making them susceptible to disease and potentially leading to their death. This makes it critical that you spot symptoms early on and act fast to treat them. Read on to learn how to identify and treat tree fungal infections effectively.

How to Identify Tree Fungi

Even if you are unfamiliar with the symptoms of tree fungi, there is a good chance that you have seen a tree with this type of growth and were not aware of it. Review the various signs below so you can take better care of the trees on your property in the future.

Keep an Eye Out for Soft Spots

If you touch the sides of your trees and it feels soft, spongy, or mushy, there is a possibility that it has a fungal infection.

These soft spots indicate that the wood beneath the bark is decaying, which is often a direct result of a fungal infection. Regularly inspecting your trees for these spots can help you catch fungal issues before they become severe. Be thorough in your examination, as some soft spots might be hiding under layers of bark or foliage.

Look for Discolorations or Spots

Two other symptoms of fungal infection you can look for are discoloration or spots on the trunk, branches, or leaves of your tree. These often appear as darkened or discolored patches.

These signs are particularly concerning because they suggest that the fungal infection has compromised your tree’s structural integrity, making it more vulnerable to breaking or collapsing, which can present a safety hazard on your property.

Check for Dusty Coatings

Another way to identify tree fungi is to see if parts of your tree have powdery or dusty coatings. These are usually collections of fungal spores, which can infect other trees in your yard. The spores may appear white or gray and are especially common in trees suffering from mildew or mold infections.

Watch for the Appearance of Fungus

Visible signs of fungus, such as mushrooms or conks growing on the tree or around its base, are unmistakable indicators of a fungal problem. These fungi have the ability to drain your tree of nutrients. You must act fast when you see these types of fungus, since your tree’s life may depend on it.

Different types of fungi can appear in various shapes, sizes, and colors, so familiarizing yourself with the common varieties that affect trees in your region is important. Immediate action is necessary when you spot these growths to prevent further damage.

Monitor Your Bark for Cracks

Cracks in the bark of your tree can indicate a fungal infection, but they can also give the fungi access to the tree itself. As trees age or experience stress from environmental factors, such as drought or excessive moisture, the bark may begin to split or crack.

These fissures can expose the underlying wood to pathogens, enabling fungi to invade and thrive. Regularly monitor your trees for any abnormalities in the bark, as early detection of cracks can help avert more serious fungal issues.

See if Your Tree Has Trouble Healing

One last thing you can do to keep an eye out for fungus is monitor your tree’s ability to heal from wounds or damage. If you notice that your tree seems to be taking a long time recovering or if its wounds remain open and show signs of decay, this may indicate that the tree is struggling to fend off infections. This may potentially be due to an underlying fungal issue or overall declining health.

Closely monitor these healing processes, as compromised trees are more susceptible to diseases, making timely intervention crucial for restoring their vitality. If healing is not occurring efficiently, consider consulting with an arborist to evaluate the situation and develop a strategic plan for care and treatment.

Tips for Treating Tree Fungi

After reviewing these various symptoms, you may wonder what can be done to help your trees recover from fungi. Read on to learn about several options.

Create Your Own Fungicidal Solution

One approach you can take in treating tree fungi is to create your own fungicidal solution. For example, you can make one using common household items such as baking soda, water, and liquid soap.

Mixing these ingredients creates a potent antifungal spray that you will be able to spray onto the tree’s bark. However, homemade solutions may not be effective against all types of fungi, so be sure to identify the specific fungus affecting your tree before taking action.

Have an Arborist Prune Your Tree

Enlisting the help of a professional arborist to prune your tree can be one of the most effective ways to manage and treat fungal infections. Arborists have the expertise to identify infected areas and remove them without causing further harm to the tree.

By pruning the tree, arborists can help the tree get more air and sunlight. In addition, these professionals will utilize proper techniques that will stop the fungus from moving to other parts of the tree, as well as others you have on your property.

Have Your Lot Cleared

In severe cases where fungal infections have spread extensively, it may be necessary to have your lot cleared. This involves removing not only the infected tree but also any surrounding vegetation that may harbor fungal spores.

Clearing the lot helps eliminate the source of the infection and provides a clean slate for planting new, healthy trees. You should consider this method a last resort and have it performed by professionals to ensure the complete removal of infected material and proper disposal to prevent recontamination.

Fungal infections in trees can be detrimental if left untreated, potentially leading to the loss of your beloved trees. All Around Arbor Tree Service can help you restore their health with our tree trimming and lot clearing services in Portland, Oregon. We have the expertise you need to ensure that fungal infections are safely and effectively removed from your property while also restoring your land’s beauty and increasing its resale value.