Ornamental Pear tree fungus - Ask Extension
Good Afternoon. I have just noticed a fungus on some branches of my ornamental pear tree. The fungus appears to have killed the branches. I have 3 ...
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Ornamental Pear tree fungus #406853
Asked June 13, 2017, 5:17 PM EDT
Good Afternoon. I have just noticed a fungus on some branches of my ornamental pear tree. The fungus appears to have killed the branches. I have 3 such branches affected. I have 1 or 2 other branches that appear to be in the process of dying. The fungus seems to be spreading to the trunk but I am not sure. I have noticed a split in the trunk which I have read might be due to the strange weather we have been having. Could this be the cause of my problem? The tree is about 20yrs old. Thank you in advance for any information you may be able to share. Cathy Rideout
Centre County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Hi:
Can you send pictures of the base of the trunk? The structures coming out of the tree are probably from a decay fungus, which takes advantage of wounds, poor pruning, etc.
Can you send pictures of the base of the trunk? The structures coming out of the tree are probably from a decay fungus, which takes advantage of wounds, poor pruning, etc.
Tree fungus
Hi:
Can you send me a picture of the base of the tree and one standing back showing the tree profile?
Can you send me a picture of the base of the tree and one standing back showing the tree profile?
I think this is what you asked for.
Cathy
Hi:
Yes. The tree has mulch against the trunk. I would pull that back. Also, the base of the tree is under the mulch and possible buried under soil. Excavate until you find the root flare (where the base of the tree widens). That is what you should see, not a telephone pole look. Over time, these issues will kill trees. See page 10 of this publication for a diagram:
http://extension.psu.edu/publications/uj253
Yes. The tree has mulch against the trunk. I would pull that back. Also, the base of the tree is under the mulch and possible buried under soil. Excavate until you find the root flare (where the base of the tree widens). That is what you should see, not a telephone pole look. Over time, these issues will kill trees. See page 10 of this publication for a diagram:
http://extension.psu.edu/publications/uj253
Tree problems
