Did a toadstool kill my hedge?

grant.browning

Hi.  I wonder if anyone can help me identify if the toadstools that are growing suspiciously beside a dead bit of my hedge are responsible?    As you can see in the pictures, the part of the hedge by the gate is completely dead (all branches down to the root).  And there are a variety of nearby growths that are (so far) still going.  

I plan to dig out the dead roots and branches, but was wondering if the toadstools are telling me that there is a fungus problem in the soil?  Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated. 

Lizzie27

I don't think they are the toadstools that indicate honey fungus but I'm no expert. Have a google on 'honey fungus' and compare those toadstools with the ones you've got.
If that is a privet hedge, then you are in good company, as there have been several other reports on here about bits of privet hedges suddenly dying off and nobody has yet come up with a definitive answer. I've got the same problem. I believe it's a combination of rather old hedges combined with the heat of last year but why only part of the hedge dies off is a mystery. 

Helix

That’s just a common or garden mushroom, probably a cortonaria.  It’s not responsible for your hedge dying.  

grant.browning

Thanks for that info.  Glad it's not too serious.  Although it seems stubborn to get rid of!