Growth on tree roots - Ask Extension
There developed a charcoal-like growth at the bottom on a maple tree. Is this treatable or can the tree be saved?
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Growth on tree roots #926085
Asked March 16, 2026, 10:24 AM EDT
There developed a charcoal-like growth at the bottom on a maple tree. Is this treatable or can the tree be saved?
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
If this is fungal growth, it indicates wood decay in that area of the tree. It could be passive decay (a fungus colonizing and consuming wood that is already dead) or active (a fungus invading and killing live tissues). It also might be darkened sap oozing from a damaged area or wound, but that seems less likely based on the material's appearance and abundance. The pictures suggest Brittle Cinder Fungus, but we can't be certain, and the tree should be evaluated by a certified arborist. Arborists can't cure or treat every ailment, but they can help to narrow-down a diagnosis and determine how advanced decay may be (some arborists have an additional risk assessment qualification for this). Wood decay is irreversible, but in some cases a tree is able to compartmentalize the damage so it doesn't spread to live wood.
Miri
Miri
