North Texas Red Oak Fungus Question

2quick

I have a Red Oak in North Texas (North of Dallas) which I have noticed fungus growing on. I just noticed this yesterday and do not know how long this has been an issue. This tree was planted about 4 years ago and looks health with the exception of the fungus. I have attached photos and would appreciate any recommendations on how to treat this issue.

Sean
North Texas
Red Oak

Attached Thumbnails

   

Eric Frei

Yeah, burying trees like that brings it on .... collar rot and failure in the future for sure, just not sure if it will be before or after death.

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2quick

Is there anything I should do now to help lengthen the life? Should I scrape this off? Coat it with anything?

Eric Frei

The fungi is working from the inside to out, you only see the fruiting bodies. Removing them or pulling them off doesn't do much to the fungi inside but it will stop spores spreading. Removing the bark, not good as it is like ringbarking.

A systemic fungicide treatment required but very hard to contain this.

Cambial cells are affected and they're the living cells which divide and the tree grows.

Consult a good nursery etc and search for a suitable systemic fungicide. Apply either as a collar drench or injection, do not water in around drip line etc.

Improve conditions for the tree, add mychorizal fungi to the soil nearby, mulch 2" thick but not up to the trunk, apply seaweed extract products and some light organic fertilizer like blood and bone (preferable soluble).

Good luck, personally I think it's a write off.

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