Fungus? - Ask Extension
My Dad lost a tree on his property. The guy who he hired to cut it down said the pine tree had a fungus. We are wondering if a tree about 30 feet fro...
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Fungus? #842381
Asked July 24, 2023, 3:53 PM EDT
My Dad lost a tree on his property. The guy who he hired to cut it down said the pine tree had a fungus. We are wondering if a tree about 30 feet from the dead one is also infected. If so, what can we do about it?
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Pitch masses are fairly common on this type of tree. My first inclination is that it is caused by an insect known as pitch mass borer, however, without a close up photo and probing with a knife, you cannot accurately determine that. Norway spruce are also known to exude copious amounts of pitch from pruning cuts where the limbs have been removed. This is not an issue but if you start to see decline in the canopy (yes- I think I see some of that) you may want to procure the services of a certified arborist to come check it out. This link will allow you to search for an arborist by zip code. https://www.treesaregood.org/