Common Tree Disease in North Texas
Ganoderma Butt Rot is a serious fungal disease. Common throughout North Texas, this disease attacks the lower trunk and root system, weakening a tree from the inside over time. Because infected trees may appear healthy externally during the early stages, professional inspections are important for identifying hazards. Tree Shepherds provides expert tree evaluations to help property owners identify dangerous tree conditions and determine the safest course of action.
What is Ganoderma Rot Disease?
Ganoderma is a spore-born wood-rotting fungi that infects tree roots and root flares. Oaks, maples, ashes, elms, and other deciduous trees, as well as conifers and Palm trees are susceptible to infection. The fungus will not die until it has consumed the entire tree.
However, long before a tree dies from Ganoderma rot, the buttress roots and butt (lower trunk) of the tree are slowly damaged by decay. This can cause the tree to become a risk to property and people. The most pressing concern with the disease is tree stability.
Common Signs of Ganoderma Infection
The most recognizable symptom of Ganoderma are the rusty red shelf mushrooms that form on the trunks of living or dead trees. These mushrooms, known as conks, are fruiting bodies which are responsible for the production of the fungi spreading spores. They are not the agent of attack. They are only the fruit of it, so to speak.
Other symptoms of Ganoderma rot include yellowing or wilting of leaves, die-back throughout the tree canopy, and reduced tree growth and vigor. However, it must be noted that generally healthy trees can tolerate a significant level of infection before showing symptoms. When symptoms do appear, a large portion of the root system tends to have already been infected.
Preventing Gandoderma Rot
The most effective way to control Ganoderma rot is to prevent it. Proper planting, fertilization, watering and pruning practices are essential to fighting disease. Healthy trees are better equipped to maintain natural defenses against infection.
It is also important to guard your tree’s trunks or roots from contact with lawn mower blades, chainsaws, or other devices which might lead to wounds. Avoid mowing over a tree’s roots or using a weed whacker around the trunk. Ganoderma spores enter through wounds or openings on the tree’s surface.
Managing Gandoderma Fungus
While there is no cure to Ganoderma rot, there are several things that can be done to manage the disease. Trees with conks should be examined by a certified arborist immediately. Removing conks will do nothing to stop or slow the fungal infection.
Any tree that is infected, but is not a safety hazard, should be monitored closely. Efforts should be made to improve the tree’s health by implementing proper watering techniques and tree-specific fertilization programs in addition to removing damaged or dead limbs.
Tree Shepherds’ team of Plant Health Care professionals are experienced in managing tree disease specific to Denton County and the surrounding area. Please contact one of our Consulting Arborists for more information.
When to Remove a Tree with Ganoderma Rot?
Trees that have an advanced level of infection can be structurally unsafe and are a serious danger to property and life. Any tree with significant deterioration of the supporting buttress roots should be removed. Tree removal services should be performed by a professional tree service company experienced in handling decaying and diseased trees.
Schedule Your Tree Risk Assessment
Concerned about fungal decay or tree stability issues? The certified arborists at Tree Shepherds can help identify signs of Ganoderma Butt Rot and recommend the safest solution for your landscape. Schedule a professional tree inspection today and keep your trees healthy and your property safe.
