A number of our eucs have Sulphur Fungus (though it is a struggle to identify all the infected trees, as the young conks are edible and are often removed and eaten shortly after they appear). Surprisingly, when we Resistograph the trees, we often get less measurable decay than expected, since it is my understanding from the literature that conks only appear after decay is well advanced. I have several questions for anybody with experience with Laetisporus:
1. How rapidly does decay spread? Obviously there is not a set rate, but I would be interested in hearing from people who measured decay some years before removal, and thus have some baseline information.
2. Does decay at the base of the trunk always, or just sometimes, indicate decay into the roots? We have not yet had time to do root crown excavactions, and in many cases access to roots is restricted by hardscape. We have an
Air-Spade, but restricted access to a compressor, so we want to prioritize our time.
3. What decision process is used to determine whether removal is warranted? One standard, for example, might be to recommend removal of any tree with a conk. Alternatively, a comprehensive assessment of decay including root crown examination, might be required. Target is very high in all my cases, so comparison of target not really applicable. I am especially interested in the decision process where the tree owner has "deep pockets" (we are a public institution and would certainly get sued in case of injury or death).