For years it stood stately and happily growing in its location. Now the overall impression is clouded because the beech tree apparently has fungi. Are these harmful and can they be removed so easily or do they live in symbiosis with the beech?
What do I do if a beech tree is infected with fungus?
First you should find out whether it is aharmful fungus oramycorrhizal funguson the beech tree. In most cases, harmful fungi such as giant porling cannot becontrolled and instead lead to the death of the beech tree. Only targeted precautions can help here.
What damage does the giant porling cause to the beech tree?
The giant porling is a fungus that often attacks beech trees and can lead to a serious disease of the beech tree, the so-calledBark necrosisThe aggressive harmful fungus destroys the base of the trunk and the root area of beech trees. Sooner or later it leads to thedeath of the entire plant.
How do I recognize a fungal infection on the beech tree?
A fungal infestation can usually be recognized bydiscoloration of the beech tree, for example on the bark or leaves. Depending on the type of mushroom, these can be blackish, white, brown or orange, among other things. The giant porling, for example, leaves black slimy spots on the bark of beech trees. In addition, the wood rots and scars appear in the bark. The leaf spot fungus, on the other hand, causes black or brown, spotty discoloration on the leaves.
Do mushrooms damage beech trees?
There are fungi that harm the beechas they decompose the wood over time until the beech eventually dies. But there are also mushrooms that are friendly to beech trees.
Can fungi on a beech tree be controlled?
Many fungi cannotbe controlled. Even with fungicides it is difficult to destroy them completely. Even if they are removed from the outside, they continue to grow inside or under the bark of the beech tree. Ultimately, the only solution to harmful fungi is to cut down the tree so that the fungus doesn't spread to surrounding beech trees.
How can fungal infestation on a beech tree be prevented?
You can prevent fungal infestation on a beech tree bystrengthening the beechand regularlysickandremove dead branchesThe fungi mainly settle on trees that are weakened. In the case of a beech tree, for example, this could be due to a pest infestation. The beech scale insect in particular is considered a dangerous parasite.
Which other fungi can attack a beech tree?
AlsoOyster mushrooms, theSear crust mushroom, theBeech slime mushroomandMycorrhizal fungi can occur on beech trees. However, the latter have an extremely positive attitude towards the beech trees, as they live in symbiosis with them underground. These include, for example, death cap mushrooms, squabs and milk mushrooms.
Tip
Act quickly if there is evidence of the beech scale insect
As soon as the beech scale insect appears on the bark of the beech tree or elsewhere, you should take immediate action. Destroy this pest rigorously and ensure that it does not spread to surrounding beech trees. Otherwise it can greatly promote beech bark necrosis.
