Do you have any research on the viability or necessity of treatment of bracket fungi in trees

Reply to post by Summit Tree Services, on October 24, 2002 at 17:10:55:

The responsible thing to do is to identify the pathogen first, then decide whether treatment is appropriate,

James.

Reply to post by James Causton, on October 24, 2002 at 17:10:55:

James is right re ID, which is not that hard--many field guides available, I like Audubon's.

Few treat fungi directly--no good research supports it. I do but it's experimental. Best tack is to invigorate the tree so it can seal off the inward spread of decay. Grow new roots by soil improvement, low N fert, mulch.

Some "bracket" fungi are Polypores and indicative of decay. this usually warrants a risk assessment, for the climber's sake if not the customer's.

In any case all fruiting bodies should be removed and buried to stop the spread of spores.