Like figures from another world, they sprout out of the tree bark seemingly overnight. Tree fungi only form their majestic fruiting bodies when their network has run through the entire wood. If it is an apple tree, your scope for action is severely limited. This guide explains how to act correctly now.
How should you deal with a tree fungus on an apple tree?
If there is a tree fungus on the apple tree, the only thing that helps is cutting back affected side branches in the early stages, regularly removing the fruiting bodies and, if necessary.felling the severely infested tree. Prevention is possible by disinfecting cutting tools and avoiding root injuries.
Fruiting bodies are just the tip of the iceberg
If you have discovered a tree fungus on the apple tree, you will only see the creature's spore spreader; referred to in technical jargon as fruiting bodies. At this point, the majority of the fungal organism has long since penetrated the entire wood inside the tree as mycelium. Due to this way of life, tree fungi often operate in secret for years, which significantly limits the options for countermeasures.
Tree fungus infestation on the apple tree - how to act correctly
Regardless of whether you can identify the exact type of tree fungus or not, the fight has no chance of success. At least you can delay the demise of your apple tree for several years. The following options are available to you:
- Cut affected side branches back to he althy wood in the early stages
- Consistently remove fruiting bodies before the spores ripen
- For reasons of caution, cut down a severely infested apple tree
Please do not dispose of cuttings from infected wood or the remains of the fruiting bodies in the garden. From the compost heap, the spores are guaranteed to find a way to the nearest tree.
Preventing tree fungus on apple trees – tried-and-tested tips
The spores of tree fungi find their way into the wood, preferably through cuts. The pathogens are often already on the blades of the cutting tools because they have not been cleaned beforehand. Therefore, before pruning the apple tree, carefully disinfect the scissors (€39.00 on Amazon) and saw.
Injuries to the roots offer tree fungi the ideal target. Therefore, avoid working on the tree disc with heavy equipment. Mow grass with the scythe and not with the lawn mower, whose blade bar could damage the root strands. If another tree is cleared near your apple tree, remove the entire rootstock, as tree fungi tend to settle there and spread in the garden.
Tip
Numerous tree fungi use the autumn leaves as winter quarters for their spores. Here the pathogens survive the cold season to look for their next victim in the spring. You can put an end to this fatal cycle if you do not mulch the tree cover of your apple trees in winter.
