Beech trees are the dominant species across much of South Oxfordshire. They often give an impression of great size and strength. However, like all living things they do have their pathogens and there are a number of specialist decay fungi that can render them prone to failure and windthrow.
Over the years we have been asked to advise and assess many Beech trees where the owner has noticed a fungus growing on the base of the tree. There are many species of fungus that grow on beech but one of the more common types is Ganoderma applanatum, or Artists Fungus is it is also known.
This fungus digests the heartwood of Beech trees and breaks down the lignin in the timber leaving behind the softer cellulose. The affected timber becomes soft and white, hence this decay type is called a soft white rot. Ganoderma may be present within a Beech tree for decades before it does any obvious damage.
Research suggests that Beech trees may even carry propagules of the fungus from the seedling stage which are then triggered to develop as the tree passes into maturity. This is when we more usually see the fungal brackets forming at the base of infected trees.
It is at this stage that it is wise to have trees assessed by a professional because once the heartwood has been decayed to a certain degree the tree can become very unsafe.
Once at an advanced stage this fungus will cause the main stem of the tree to fail. If this happens beside a road or property the consequences can be serious.
We are happy to advise on such trees and have a range of methods to evaluate the extent of decay that may be present and at what point a tree needs to be removed.
If you look at the photos below you can clearly see the very decayed central section of the tree stem in this Beech tree. The tree was adjacent to tennis courts and unfortunately had reached that critical stage where felling and removal was the best option.
Get in touch with us if you have safety concerns for any of your trees.
