Tree fungi penetrate wood unnoticed to colonize and decompose it. Some fungi are harmless, others are extremely destructive and very contagious to neighboring trees. Identification is difficult for the layperson because there are thousands of species. As a home gardener, you are not completely helpless when faced with a fungal infestation. This guide explains when and how to properly combat tree fungi.
How to effectively remove tree fungi?
To successfully remove tree fungi, you should cut affected branches back to he althy wood and remove fruiting bodies from the trunk and main branches before they mature without damaging the bark. As a preventive measure, you should avoid injuries and choose the optimal location.
How do the mushrooms get into the tree?
Tree fungi are living creatures that are made up of a fungal network and fruiting bodies. With the help of their spores, the fungi penetrate the wood and cover the entire tree with a fluffy-white network, the mycelium. Only in the advanced stage do the fruiting bodies appear on the bark as the visible component. These serve solely for reproduction by producing new spores and spreading them around the garden.
Prevent instead of fight - This is how it works
If the fruiting bodies of tree fungi appear, the fungal networks in the wood have been causing mischief for years. Fighting the uninvited guests is therefore rarely successful. By denying the cunning spores access to the wood, you effectively prevent fungal infestation on trees. The following measures make a valuable contribution to fungal prevention:
- Adjust the location exactly to the species-specific needs
- Water and fertilize trees appropriately without causing waterlogging or drought stress
- Avoid all kinds of injuries when planting, caring for and cutting
- Do not mulch tree slices in autumn and winter
One of the most important preventive measures is to dig up and remove the entire rootstock every time you clear a tree. Numerous tree fungi target dead wood in order to settle here and spread in the garden.
Successfully combating tree fungi in the early stages - this is how it works
Removing the colorful fruiting bodies of tree fungi usually does not help with recovery. Only in the early stages is there a chance of extending the lifespan of the affected tree by several years. If the fruiting bodies sprout on secondary branches, cut them back to the he althy wood. Spore carriers on the trunk and main branches are removed before maturity without damaging the bark.
Tip
The most common sources of danger for infection with tree fungi include wounds to the roots. The main culprit is the lawn mower's blade bar when the grass is mowed on the tree disc. You can avoid this risk by covering the root disc with bark mulch (€13.00 on Amazon), lawn paving stones or paving stones.
