Wood Rots (Decays)
Wood Rots (Decays)
Symptoms: Shelf fungi ("conks") growing on the trunk of a tree or hollow areas in the trunk are symptoms of wood rot.
Cause: Wood rots are caused by fungi that invade wounds in the tree or shrub. Wounds are usually broken or poorly pruned branch stubs and injuries to the trunk, such as lawn mower scarring. Wood rots weaken the structural strength of a tree, making it likely to fall during high winds and posing a potential threat to nearby automobiles and buildings.
Control: No control is available for trees already affected by wood rot. Prevent wounding of tree trunks with lawn mower, etc. Prune trees and shrubs with care so that no stubs are left, however, do not cut into the branch collars.
