Tree fungus identification includes not only taking a good look at the fungus, but also taking a look at the surrounding habitat. The growth of fungi is intricately linked to its surroundings. If it doesn’t find an ideal growing conditions, it won’t be able to grow. Fungus were thought to be a group of plants which lacked chlorophyll, but are today classified as a separate category of living things. They are small structures with a short stem and a cap at the top, just like a mushroom. They are parasitic organisms as they suck food matter from their host and in turn the host becomes diseased. Some of the most common types of tree fungus include honey fungus, beefsteak fungus, tinder fungus, dwarf benches and puffballs. Let’s go through tree fungus identification in detail, so that you can understand the ways to identify them better.

Tree Fungal Diseases

Plant diseases caused by fungi can be divided into four categories – Butt and Root rot diseases, Canker diseases, shoot or foliar diseases and vascular diseases. Root rot and butt root caused by fungus is one of the most common tree fungal diseases. Initially it infects the roots and then spread to other part of the plant body. The roots decay which later on spreads to the trunk and the branches. By the time you come to know that your plant is effected by these fungus diseases, it’s too late as the plants rot within.

If any part of a tree is injured, be it the branches or the trunk, there are chances that fungus may enter the plant causing canker disease. Initially it infects the bark tissue, which results in the barks becoming discolored or sunken. Usually canker infection starts from the branches and if that’s the case, pruning can become an important options to prevent this disease.

The shoot or foliar disease is one of the most common tree disease caused by fungus. The most common symptom which can be seen include appearance of small spots or large blotches on the leaves and shoots. The impact can range from slight infection to the death of the plant. In case of vascular wilts, the plant dies very soon as the fungus attacks the vascular system of the plant, thereby destroying the routes which transport nutrients and water. » Read more: Tree Fungus Identification