Yellow tree fungus on very old plum tree - Ask Extension
In October of the past two years, our plum tree, which is at least 60 years old, had had this strange fungus on it. I have researched it online and ca...
Knowledgebase
Yellow tree fungus on very old plum tree #246036
Asked May 20, 2015, 7:00 PM EDT
In October of the past two years, our plum tree, which is at least 60 years old, had had this strange fungus on it. I have researched it online and cannot find it nor whether it is a signal that the tree is dying. I need an experienced arborist to diagnose what is wrong and to tell me what the fungus is.I am worried about the tree. Thank you. Celia Funk
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Greetings,
This fungus is the Sulfur Shelf mushroom, Laetiporus sulphureus. It grows on dead wood. It is likely this fungus is living on wood that was killed by something else and it is indeed a signal that at least part of your tree is dead.
This fungus is the Sulfur Shelf mushroom, Laetiporus sulphureus. It grows on dead wood. It is likely this fungus is living on wood that was killed by something else and it is indeed a signal that at least part of your tree is dead.
Thank you for your response. It breaks my heart to know this. Is there anything that can be done to save the tree? It is very large, full of leaves and plums, and the song birds love it.
I had an arborist look at it last spring, and though he didn't know what the fungus was or why it was there, he said "Well, look at all the branches with flowers and leaves! It is in good health and nothing to worry about." I thought that was strange. He just walked around and looked at it without checking anything.
Do you know of a list of certified, licensed, experienced arborists who can check the tree and make a determination as to whether it can be saved?
I had an arborist look at it last spring, and though he didn't know what the fungus was or why it was there, he said "Well, look at all the branches with flowers and leaves! It is in good health and nothing to worry about." I thought that was strange. He just walked around and looked at it without checking anything.
Do you know of a list of certified, licensed, experienced arborists who can check the tree and make a determination as to whether it can be saved?
I should add that I showed the arborist photos of the fungus.
Greetings,
I did a little more research, and found that this fungus is a parasite. I don't know any arborists. You need to check with your local extension office about that.
I did a little more research, and found that this fungus is a parasite. I don't know any arborists. You need to check with your local extension office about that.
Thank you. Does it being a parasite mean it is a "safe" fungus as opposed to one that is a sign of dead areas?
I will check with the extension office.
I will check with the extension office.
Greetings,
A parasite is one that kills. So it is not just a sign of dead areas, it may likely be killing the tree as well.
A parasite is one that kills. So it is not just a sign of dead areas, it may likely be killing the tree as well.
Oh. Not good. Thank you for all of your responses!
Good luck!
