What Kind of Diseases Found on Tree
                     TREE DISEASE
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INTRODUCTION
• Trees are vulnerable to diseases like every other living organism. Trees require a sufficient 
supply of carbon dioxide, water, light and other nutrients from their environment for 
growth and development. An inadequacy of any of these nutrients may reduce growth and 
stress out the trees.
• Where a tree becomes stressed, it may lack the energy needed to produce essential 
defences and may become prone to diseases. Diseased trees eventually die, and it is quite 
tricky diagnosing the initial cause. This difficulty arises from the complexity of problems 
that may not be easily traced.
• For instance, drought may cause a tree to weaken and then make it susceptible to fungal 
attack. Also, environmental factors like storm wounds, pollution or temperature can affect 
the tree. Other times, two or more diseases may be accumulated in the tree. Diseases in 
trees are derived from fungi, viral or bacterial sources.
KINDS OF FUNGAL DECAY
• HONEY FUNGUS
The honey fungus grows in small clumps and tufts on the wood of trees. The colour of its cap is 
yellowish-brown, and whenever it is moist, its touch is sticky. They have a variety of shape from 
conical to convex with a space in the middle. This space is dependent on how old the fungus is. 
The trees either have rings on their stems or not, but they usually have spore prints in white.
• BEEFSTEAK FUNGUS
Beefsteak fungus has a tongue-like look and a reddish-brown colour, together with a roughened 
surface. Its underside has a creamy-white colour and constitutes of minute pores. When cut 
open, it produces a dull looking red juice, and its flesh looks meaty. 
• TINDER FUNGUS
Tinder fungus also referred to a horse’s hoof fungus, is usually found on beech and birch trees. It 
may be used in fighting fires, as it can smoke for several hours. This particular kind of fungi is 
resilient and hard. They can remain alive for a very long time. They can also develop different 
colours of rings and circles.
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BENEFITS OF FUNGI IN TREES
• Most times, a fungal disease can only be detected when the fruiting body of the mushrooms is 
physically apparent. By this time, it may be already late to take action. However, it is expedient to 
understand that not all types of fungi can pose damage to trees.
• Some kinds of fungi have a relationship that is mutually beneficial with the trees (symbiotic). This is 
where the fungi obtain energy from tree sugars. These tree sugars are made during the process of 
photosynthesis. Then the tree derives its benefit from the absorption of extra phosphorus and 
nitrogen due to the soil’s final action.
TREATMENT OF FUNGI IN TREES
It is unfortunate that diseased trees due to fungal decay cannot be cured or treated. Hence, as an 
essential aspect of gardening, prevention of the fungus from developing is necessary. The perfect defence 
against the development of mushroom is the maintenance of healthy trees.
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PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST TREE DISEASES
• It is advisable to take preventive measures against diseases likely to attack your trees in a 
reasonable time. This will help keep your tree sustainable and fruitful.
• Just as you take cognisance of your body and environmental hygiene, your trees also require good 
health to survive. Biosecurity is vital to the prevention of the spread of tree diseases.
• Furthermore, you should always disinfect and clean tools, footwear, and vehicles during 
movement between sites. As regards ash trees that have been planted for about five years, 
frequently inspect them to ensure that they are free from any disease.
• Maintenance of a good surrounding that is free of dead branches and leaves should be a priority 
so that fungi will not have the opportunity to grow. And, if you need more information on tree 
diseases in the UK, tree fungus and how to identify tree fungus, Valiant Arborist is available to put 
you through.
Contact Valiant Arborist
Address:  Dozen and One Pudsey Hall Lane, 
Canewdon, Rochford, Essex, SS4 3RY 
Call: 01702 910 995
Email: [email protected]
www.valiantarborist.com