Mushrooms Growing Around Trees?

In the past week, we’ve noticed lots of mushrooms growing around trees and in homeowners’ yards. This increase in mushrooms can be blamed on the rainy past few weeks we’ve been having. Mushrooms on trees may be a sight to behold, but you may wonder what they mean. Are they a sign of an unhealthy tree?

When you have mushrooms growing in your yard or at the base of your tree it can be worrisome. Mushrooms can be a sign of root rot, heart rot, and overall decay. When these conditions are left untreated it can cause your tree to uproot or snap and come crashing down on your property.

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Why Do Mushrooms Grow On Trees?

Mushrooms are fungi that decompose organic matter, breaking down dead plant and animal materials. Trees provide the ideal substrate for fungal growth; they are rich in organic matter and provide the necessary water and nutrients for mushroom growth. Mushroom spores can spread easily and quickly through the air, finding their way to an ideal host tree and starting to grow.

Are They A Bad Sign For Your Trees?

Not necessarily. Many types of mushrooms are benign and pose no harm to trees. Others, however, can cause serious damage. Mushroom growth on trees is a sign of fungi growth, and it could be a sign that the tree is in poor health.

The Most Common Tree Types For Mushroom Growth

Mushrooms can grow on any type of tree, but they are most commonly found on hardwood trees. Trees that are stressed or diseased are more susceptible to fungal growth. The most common tree types for mushroom growth include oak, maple, beech, and birch.

Where Are The Mushrooms Located?

Mushrooms located throughout your yard, far away from the trunk of your tree, are typically no cause for concern. If you have mushrooms located at the base of your tree, it is more likely to be a problem. Mushrooms growing at the base of a tree are a likely indicator of advanced interior decay. If you see them growing on the tree’s bark or branches, it’s a sign of a severe fungal infestation.

What Do The Mushrooms Look Like?

Mushrooms come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Some are small and subtle, while others are large and showy. Some mushrooms are flat, while others resemble a dome or a cone. To determine if the mushrooms growing on your tree are benign or not, you need to identify them correctly.

Benign Mushrooms

It’s possible that the mushrooms growing on your tree pose no threat if they’re harmless saprophytes. Saprophytes feed on dead organic matter and only grow where this material exists. They will eventually stop growing and disappear when the organic matter is exhausted. Common benign mushrooms found on trees include Turkey Tail, Artist Conk, and Reishi.

Mushrooms we want to prevent

Honey fungus is a particularly dangerous mushroom that grows near a tree’s roots. This mushroom is a sign of Armillaria root rot. They are yellowish-brown and grow in clusters around the base of your tree or tree’s roots. Look for a distinct white ring around the mushroom’s stems.

Susceptible Trees: Oak, birch, fruit trees, and hedge plants are most commonly infected but a wide range of trees and shrubs are susceptible.

Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus): Sign of Heart Rot

This mushroom is a sign of brown heart rot. Generally entering trees through bark wounds and dead branch stubs, this fungus will destabilize your tree by hollowing out the center. Trees with chicken of the woods will be brittle and likely to snap. Look for yellow to bright orange fan-shaped mushrooms growing in overlapping tiers.

Susceptible Trees: Acacia, ash, beech, birch, cherry, chestnut, elm, eucalyptus, fir, hackberry, black locust, honey locust, maple, oak, Virginia pine, poplar, spruce, tulip, walnut, and yew.

How to treat mushrooms and fungal tree growth

Once mushroom growth is identified, it’s important to address the underlying issue. If the fungus is too far developed, the arborist may recommend removing the tree/shrub and replacing it with a fungi-resistant species. On the other hand, if the growth is not too developed, it can be treated. Our arborist will recommend one of our Smart Treat Plans to suppress the tree fungus. This will stop the disease from getting worse and improve your tree’s health and vigor.

How to prevent mushrooms and fungal tree growth

Prevention is key when it comes to fungus. Avoid practices that promote fungal growth.

• • Don’t overwater

• • Make sure your soil drains properly

• • Boost overall health with proper maintenance

• • Sanitize gardening tools between plants

• • Rake and remove falling leaves from your yard

• • Use preventative fungicides

Call Us Today

While mushrooms growing on your tree can be beautiful and unique, it’s essential to monitor them and understand what they mean for the health of your trees. Benign mushrooms pose no threat to the tree’s health but are signs of unhealthy trees. If the mushrooms growing on the tree are harmful fungus types, it’s essential to address the issue and treat the affected areas. Preventing fungal growth in trees involves proper tree care practices such as tree trimming, irrigating, and cleanliness.

If you already have mushrooms growing on your tree it’s best to have an arborist come identify it. An arborist will be able to let you know if the fungus is harmful and be able to recommend appropriate treatments. Book an appointment with one of our arborists online or: 

Call for a free estimate:
(703) 573-3029

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