Sick Tree? - Ask Extension
Hello! My tree seems to have a fungus at the base of the trunk and some outshoots along the trunk (see attached pics). I would be very appreciati...
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Sick Tree? #134543
Asked June 15, 2013, 11:43 PM EDT
Hello! My tree seems to have a fungus at the base of the trunk and some outshoots along the trunk (see attached pics). I would be very appreciative if someone could tell me the type of tree, what the issue could be, how concerned I should be, and what could be done to remedy (if anything). I've been told there is a type of tree planted in my neighborhood (South Braeswood in Houston) 60 years ago that only has a 50-60 year life expectancy. Not sure if this is one of those or not. Thanks!! Tim
Harris County Texas
Expert Response
Tim:
I apologize for the delay in getting back to you.
1) Your tree is a hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) - has a rounded/vase shape and can reach 40-60 feet.
2) The growth on the tree in your 1st picture is a lichen and usually occurs when dead/decaying wood is present. Depending on how far around the tree it has developed, it is a weak point in the tree trunk. I would recommend having an arborist look at it more closely for a diagnosis.
I am attaching a link to some general information on hackberry and also a link to the Intenational Society of Arboriculture which has a search function for finding certified arborists in your area.
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/celocca.pdf
http://www.isa-arbor.com/faca/findArborist.aspx
Thanks for the question.
I apologize for the delay in getting back to you.
1) Your tree is a hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) - has a rounded/vase shape and can reach 40-60 feet.
2) The growth on the tree in your 1st picture is a lichen and usually occurs when dead/decaying wood is present. Depending on how far around the tree it has developed, it is a weak point in the tree trunk. I would recommend having an arborist look at it more closely for a diagnosis.
I am attaching a link to some general information on hackberry and also a link to the Intenational Society of Arboriculture which has a search function for finding certified arborists in your area.
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/celocca.pdf
http://www.isa-arbor.com/faca/findArborist.aspx
Thanks for the question.
