Picture of deadmans fingers and the root/area they came from. This root run perpendicular to the fence.

Picture of Maple tree trunk and yard. Deadmans fingers have been growing about 3 feet out from the cement birdbath on the left; where the divit is in the grass.    Over the past 6 weeks I have removed others  (trying not to damage the root as I did in this picture) in the same general area as well as others 3-5 feet away just off camera on the left along the cement edging.

Trumpet vines in neighbors yard; old Ash tree was about half way between birdbath and tree. As I said, that stump has long rotted away and the root in the picture looks live.

Hello,

THE FIRST PART I EXPLAIN THIS FUNGUS IN DETAIL (QUITE LENGTHY) - 

AT THE END PLEASE SEE - HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO -- YOU HAVE TWO (2) OPTIONS

The Deadman’s Finger fungus, scientifically known as Xylaria polymorpha, is a saprobic ascomycete commonly found in Michigan. It’s often seen growing at the base of decaying hardwoods, especially beech trees. More information at this link:

Xylaria Polymorpha - Bonito Lab (msu.edu)

This fungus is characterized by its unique appearance, which resembles human fingers protruding from the ground, hence the name. Interestingly, Xylaria polymorpha lacks a distinct stem, differentiating it from similar species like Xylaria longipes. More information at this link:

Xylaria Polymorpha - Bonito Lab (msu.edu)

The fungus has a dark outer skin, but if you cut it open, you’ll find that the flesh inside is white. More information at this link:

Xylaria Polymorpha - Bonito Lab (msu.edu)

This fascinating species plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead organic matter into nutrients plants can absorb.

Dead man’s fingers is the name of a mushroom-like fungal growth found at the base of dead or dying trees and shrubs, as well as wood objects (e.g., wood barrels) that are in contact with soil. Wood-decomposing fungi produce some types of dead man’s fingers. Others are produced by fungi that cause black root rot. This disease typically is a problem on stressed trees or shrubs, including apple, crabapple, pear, cherry, plum, American elm, Norway maple, and honeylocust. More information is at this link:

Dead Man’s Fingers – Wisconsin Horticulture

Dead man’s fingers are the sexual reproductive structure of the fungus Xylaria. Sexual spores (ascospores) are produced inside each club-like “finger” and released through a tiny hole in the top. The “fingers” can release these spores for several months or years. In the spring, Xylaria can produce asexual spores (called conidia) anywhere on its surface. Xylaria also produces threadlike structures (called hyphae) that grow through dead or dying wood. Xylaria can survive as hyphae in roots for up to 10 years and can spread from plant to plant via hyphae when plant roots come in contact. More information is at this link:

Dead Man’s Fingers – Wisconsin Horticulture

In urban settings, dead man’s fingers may grow from wood mulch and may not indicate disease. If the “fingers” are considered unsightly, they simply can be removed and discarded. If a dead man’s fingers form around or near the base of an apple, crabapple, or other known susceptible host, the fungus may infect the tree, causing black root rot. In such a situation, the infection is advanced when the characteristic “fingers” appear. An infected tree should be carefully removed, including the stump and as much of the root system as possible. DO NOT use wood from Xylaria-infected trees for mulch. No fungicides are registered in Wisconsin for the treatment of black root rot.
More information is at this link:

Dead Man’s Fingers – Wisconsin Horticulture

DO NOT plant susceptible trees or shrubs in a site where a dead man’s fingers have been observed. In addition, make sure that susceptible trees/shrubs in other locations are well watered, fertilized, mulched, and otherwise maintained to reduce stresses that might predispose them to infection by disease-causing species of Xylaria. Unfortunately, resistant varieties/cultivars of trees and shrubs susceptible to Xylaria (see above) are unavailable. More information is at this link:

Dead Man’s Fingers – Wisconsin Horticulture

If you want to learn more about this fungus, the Bonito Lab at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University has detailed information on its website. More information at this link:

Xylaria Polymorpha - Bonito Lab (msu.edu)

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO -- YOU HAVE TWO (2) OPTIONS

You can send all your images to the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab for advice on managing the fungus and determining what roots to cut out.

OPTION 1:

For a confirmed and precise identification of the problem, I recommend you send all your images by e-mail to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab. The experts there can also provide you with the best treatment options. Their email is <personal data hidden>. Please include your name. The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent. FYI, the lab may also ask for additional images.

Their website is at this link:

Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

Their Contact Information is at this link:

Contact Us - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

This link will explain the details of submitting a sample to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab:

Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

You can also have the situation assessed by a certified arborist.

OPTION 2:

You can consult a local certified arborist for a more detailed onsite assessment and personalized advice. To find a certified arborist in your Zip Code, go to this link:

Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)

I hope this helps!