Tree Killing Fungus? - Ask Extension
This fungus is growing in my yard and seems to be killing a bunch of my trees - various types of trees. Is there something I can do to eliminate it?
Knowledgebase
Tree Killing Fungus? #873061
Asked June 14, 2024, 12:04 AM EDT
This fungus is growing in my yard and seems to be killing a bunch of my trees - various types of trees. Is there something I can do to eliminate it?
Lenawee County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Amanda,
This does look like a fruiting body from a fungus in the Grifola genus, which does include some rot causing genus. The article below explains the relationship between Grifola fungus and oak death.
https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/root-butt-rot-caused-by-grifola-frondosa-hen-of-woods
There is no way to eliminate the fungus. Rather, the best practice is to maintain the health of existing trees by ensuring they are watered and have healthy growing conditions.
If many trees are dying of various species, it may be wise to contact a certified arborist to take a look to identify underlying causes. Arborists are certified through the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA. ISA maintains a database search tool that makes it each to find an arborist.
https://www.treesaregood.org/
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Thank you,
-Julie
This does look like a fruiting body from a fungus in the Grifola genus, which does include some rot causing genus. The article below explains the relationship between Grifola fungus and oak death.
https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/root-butt-rot-caused-by-grifola-frondosa-hen-of-woods
There is no way to eliminate the fungus. Rather, the best practice is to maintain the health of existing trees by ensuring they are watered and have healthy growing conditions.
If many trees are dying of various species, it may be wise to contact a certified arborist to take a look to identify underlying causes. Arborists are certified through the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA. ISA maintains a database search tool that makes it each to find an arborist.
https://www.treesaregood.org/
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Thank you,
-Julie
