Forum home› Problem solving

Fungus on Lilac Tree

amaidinbedlamamaidinbedlam Posts: 8
in Problem solving
Hello,

Looking for some help/advice. I have a lilac which I've known since I was a kid. It's at least 40 years old, but this year I've noticed a fungus growing on the bark, It's not all over the tree, and the affected areas are isolated to one branch. Any ideas what it could be? I'm so worried. I've attached some pictures. 

Thank you for your time.


«1

Posts

  • treehugger80treehugger80 Posts: 1,923
    its a type of bracket fungus, in general they're decomposers of dead wood, it might be that the heartwood has started rotting, it doesn't mean however that the lilac is dying, but the branches might get brittle once the insides hollow
  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 22,309
    Time to take some cuttings, I think.
    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • amaidinbedlamamaidinbedlam Posts: 8
    Hello TreeHugger, 

    I was worried someone would say bracket fungus. Okay. Is there anything I can do, remove the affected branch? Or is it best to just wait and see? The tree is setting buds on the affected branch, so I really don't want to add insult to injury...
  • amaidinbedlamamaidinbedlam Posts: 8
    Hello Pansyface,

    Okay, so not looking good for my tree...oh dear...

  • treehugger80treehugger80 Posts: 1,923
    personally i'd just leave it, its only if it starts getting dangerous id remove the branch.
  • amaidinbedlamamaidinbedlam Posts: 8
    I've just had a quick research and apparently it doesn't infect and kill the living parts of the tree... so she could survive. Thank you for your time, I'll do as you suggest and will leave it be with a close watch on her.
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,299
    if you do anymore pruning, don't leaves stumps like those in the second photo. those stumps die back to the main branch and leave dead wood for fungi to dispose of


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • amaidinbedlamamaidinbedlam Posts: 8
    Hello nutcutlet, 

    Thanks for the advice. I've only just taken over the care of the tree (and the rest of the garden) from my mam in the past year. My experience is with orchids and allotment growing so I'm still feeling my way a little (a lot) with a whole new host of plants and trees to get used to! Thanks again for the advice, much appreciated. 
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,299
    no problem, if ever I try and grow an orchid I'll look to you for advice :) 


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • cullencullen Posts: 2
    I would do as Pansyface suggested.  When it is the appropriate time, take some cuttings.  It's always nice to have a back-up plan.  
Sign In or Register to comment.