Fungus Among Us

Mouse – posted 19 March 2004 07:32

I know this is a grass forum, but I thought I might see if anyone has experience with this.

In my front yard I have an ornamental blossoming pear tree… as do many of my neighbors. Mine is the biggest in the neighborhood. I’ve noticed the last few years that my tree blossomed later in the spring than everyone else and shed it’s leaves earlier in the fall.

Well this year it hasn’t blossomed at all. So the other day I went to inspect it and found some fungus (white powdery) at the base of it. I’ve gone to home depot and got a spray for it.

The entire tree looks dead. There are only a few branches that have anything resembling life.

I’m wondering if this tree has any hope of a comeback? Any experience?

Dchall_San_Antonio – posted 19 March 2004 10:26

This advice is from an organic tree forum.

First of all, did you use any weed and feed type products around the tree last year? If so, that is likely to be your problem. The weed killer used in many weed and feed products will kill trees through the roots. They usually neglect to mention that on the labels because the product is for use on lawns, not trees.

Secondly is the root flare exposed on the tree or are the roots completely buried up to the trunk of the tree? Root flare should be exposed to protect the bark from rot (fungus) at the base. You can expose the root flare with a jet nozzle on your garden hose. Then keep the soil away from the root flare with bricks or something. Your tree might look like it is in a hole after exposing the root flare.

I hope you have not already sprayed your tree with the fungus spray. In the event that you have a fungus problem there is a much cheaper and equally effective material. You can spray baking soda mixed in water to get a strong antifungal effect. Use at a rate of one heaping tablespoon of bicarb per gallon and spray the entire tree from roots to buds.

Try not to wash the spray into the soil because it does kill the beneficial fungi in your soil. Bicarbonate treatment is a last ditch emergency for a tree fungus problem that is out of hand.

Are you sure you do not have any bugs bothering the tree?

jr – posted 19 March 2004 18:03

My advice may prove to be more helpful, as an ISA certified arborist As you clearly stated, your tree is an established one, being the largest in the neighborhood. Therefore. it should not have a soil level problem, unless you introduced additional soil recently. But you also said the tree has been in decline for several years. This rules out a herbicide issue as well. How old is this tree, and where do you live? Also, what have been your fertlizing and watering habits of this tree, and have any conditions around it changed (additional construction, vehicle or foot traffic, light)? How tall is it and have their been any limb failures? If you can answer these questions I will be able to point you in the right direction.

Mouse – posted 19 March 2004 19:52

HI again! I’ll try answer your questions:

I’m in the Dallas Tx area.

I do not know how old the tree is, but the neighborhood is 13 years old. I assume since it’s the biggest in the area it was a good sized one when they first planted it.

it’s on a slight slope. I have not changed anything about the soil level at all. I did plant some bulbs at the base this year, but I dont’ believe that had anything to do with it, since it’s been on decline prior to this year.

One thing I’ve noticed, I’m not sure if it’s revelavant but my yard does get more mushrooms than any of my neighbors. I always wondered about this, BUT they do not come in a circle or anything like that.

I actually haven’t had any special or fertizling schedule for this tree at all. These trees are all through my neighborhood, including places that aren’t in anyone’s yard or property. I don’t believe anyone waters them. I have not used any fertizlers either.

My tree is between the height of a one story and two story house (sorry I can’t give you anything more specific than that). I’m in the Dallas Texas area.

No limb failures at all. And no conditions have changed. Nothing has changed in this neighborhood for a while.

Tomorrow morning I can take a picture of the white fungus and the tree if that will help?

jr – posted 20 March 2004 05:19

I suspected from your original post that it was rather old. From what you are saying it’s probably at least 20 years old, and that is towards the end of its lifespan. As it gets older it will become more susceptible to problems, particularly fungal infection in the root zone. The first thing you need to do without question is contact an ISA certified arborist in your area and ask him to do a root inspection. This tree may have become a structural hazard and fail without warning. He will advise you of the proper action to take based on his findings. There is probably nothing you can do at this point to save it though. It’s old, and its root system has likely rotted away by now. You can find ISA certified arborists in your area by going here http://www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/findarborist.asp.

cohiba – posted 20 March 2004 07:28

Keep in mind that as a part of the everchanging cycle of life some fungal infections are there to dispose of a dead tree and not the cause of its death in the first place.

Mouse – posted 20 March 2004 12:54

Thanks so much for the info… I was starting to think that might be the case.

Mouse – posted 22 March 2004 13:26

Well I just talked to the arborist in my city. She knew exactly where I lived by me telling her what type of tree and problem I have. I guess that’s what happens to these trees here.

She said the builders should have never picked them. they are suspectible to “cotton root rot”. I told her about how many are in the neighborhood. She said yes, they probably will all have to go eventually.. and she even guessed that mine was bigger than everyones.

I better start looking for a tree removal service. ack.

Thanks for all of your help.