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RTEC Treecare

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Mushrooms Growing Around Trees: Identification & Treatment

Resources: Tree Problems

Ganoderma applanatum mushroom 2
Ganoderma applanatum mushroom

In the past week or so we’ve noticed lots of mushrooms growing around trees and in homeowners’ yards. This increase in mushrooms can be blamed on the rainy past few weeks.

When you have mushrooms growing in your yard or at the base of your tree it can be worrisome. Mushrooms can be a sign of root rot, heart rot, and overall decay.

When these conditions are left untreated it can cause your tree to uproot or snap and come crashing down on your property.

Although not all mushrooms are bad, it’s important to be able to recognize mushrooms that are signs of decay.

Where Are Your Mushrooms Located?

Mushrooms located throughout your yard, far away from the trunk of your tree, are typically no cause for concern. If you have mushrooms located at the base of your tree, it is more likely to be a problem. Mushrooms growing at the base of a tree are a likely indicator of advanced interior decay.


What Do Your Mushrooms Look Like?

honey fungus

Honey Fungus (Armillaria Spp.): Sign of Root Rot

Honey fungus is a particularly dangerous mushroom that grows near a tree’s roots. This mushroom is a sign of Armillaria root rot. Mushrooms are yellowish-brown and grow in clusters around the base of your tree or tree’s roots. Look for a distinct white ring around the mushroom’s stems.

Susceptible Trees: Oak, birch, fruit trees, and hedge plants are most commonly infected but a wide range of trees and shrubs are susceptible.


chicken of the woods fungus

Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus): Sign of Heart Rot

This mushroom is a sign of brown heart rot. Generally entering trees through bark wounds and dead branch stubs, this fungus will destabilize your tree by hollowing out the center. Trees with chicken of the woods will be brittle and likely to snap. Look for yellow to bright orange fan-shaped mushrooms growing in overlapping tiers.

Susceptible Trees: Acacia, ash, beech, birch, cherry, chestnut, elm, eucalyptus, fir, hackberry, black locust, honey locust, maple, oak, Virginia pine, poplar, spruce, tulip, walnut, and yew.


Ganoderma Spp: Sign of Root Rot & Trunk Rot

This fungus invades through tree wounds causing extensive decay of roots and trunk. Trees infected will typically die within 3-5 years; however, infected oaks and maples will experience rapid decay. Look for semi-circular mushrooms growing around the base of your tree. Depending on the species these mushrooms will either be brown on top and white underneath or red-brown with varnish-like crust.

Susceptible Trees: Acacia, alder, apple, ash, birch, boxwood, cherry, citrus, elm, eucalyptus, fir, hackberry, black locust, honey locust, magnolia, maple, mulberry, oak, peach, pine, poplar, redbud, spruce, sweet gum, sycamore, tulip, and willow.

Ganoderma lucidum mushroomGanoderma applanatum mushroom

Have Mushrooms Growing On/Around Your Tree?

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Or Call 703.573.3029


Tree Mushroom/Fungus Treatment:

Once infected with a tree fungus your tree or shrub can never be fully cured. However; it can be treated. Our arborist will recommend a plan to suppress the tree fungus. This will stop the disease from getting worse and to restore your tree’s health and vigor.

If the fungus is too far developed, the arborist may recommend removing the tree/shrub and replacing it with a fungi resistant species.

Prevent Mushrooms and Fungi:

Prevention is key when it comes to fungus. Avoid practices that promote fungal growth.

  • Don’t over water
  • Make sure your soil drains properly
  • Boost overall health with proper maintenance
  • Sanitize gardening tools between plants
  • Rake and remove falling leaves from your yard
  • Use preventative fungicides

If you already have mushrooms growing on your tree it’s best to have an arborist come identify it. An arborist will be able to let you know if the fungus is harmful and be able to recommend appropriate treatments. Book an appointment with one of our arborists online or call 703.573.3029.

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Google Reviews

Grey Burkhart
Grey Burkhart
March 29, 2022.
Verified
Very professional review of our requirements and an accurate estimate. Showed up on time and were finished quickly. Cleaned up all of the debris and sawdust. Great job all around.
Dennis Bruns
Dennis Bruns
March 8, 2022.
Verified
We have used RTEC Treecare for several years. They do excellent work. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable and take great care in explaining the various options available for your particular situation. I highly recommend them.
Annette Iannucci
Annette Iannucci
February 23, 2022.
Verified
We have been using RTEC for years and were very pleased with the recent tree maintenance work they did for us. As always, we got good advice from their arborist Ben,. The crew that did the work is highly skilled, and they did a great job trimming our trees. They worked safely and efficiently, in addition to leaving the yard clean after they finished the work.
Susan Crawford
Susan Crawford
January 26, 2022.
Verified
RTEC was at my house today to removed a large Magnolia that was badly damaged by the recent snow. They did a fantastic job at a very reasonable price. They arrived right on time, worked efficiently and quickly and cleaned up so well it was hard to tell anything have been disturbed. Over the past several years, I have used RTEC for all the services I checked above, and have always been very pleased with their service and professionalism. I also appreciate that they are not eager to take down trees that don't need to come down. In this case, the damage was too extensive for the tree to recover.
Kenton Morgan
Kenton Morgan
January 20, 2022.
Verified
Once again, RTEC has done a great job. The team showed up right on time and performed all the work that we agreed to. They kept us informed as to progress, coordinated with us concerning our maple, and made recommendations concerning ongoing support for our trees. At the end of the day, they thoroughly cleaned up the debris and left our yard in pristine condition. WELL DONE.
Jean Kluttz
Jean Kluttz
January 3, 2022.
Verified
Not our first time but this time was tricky removal of a large dead tree leaning on a healthy tree. Quick response for estimate, good timing to removal, all clear and healthy tree still fine.
Jerry Haggin
Jerry Haggin
December 16, 2021.
Verified
Very good work while ensuring that I was aware of status of my work order and planned completion.
Mike Iger
Mike Iger
December 16, 2021.
Verified
David Roberts
David Roberts
December 15, 2021.
Verified
We’ve used RTEC for many years for tree maintenance and can’t say enough good things about their service. We use them for tree trimming and for regular treatments to maintain our trees’ health and deal with pests and prevent disease. Their arborist Ben has been especially helpful with advice. RTEC also been especially helpful in emergency situations, once coming to cable a massive, heritage oak in our yard right before a hurricane was about to hit. Highly recommend.
Travis Larson
Travis Larson
December 10, 2021.
Verified
RTEC did an excellent job onsite of removing dead branches from our 80+ year old trees, and trimming other growth too close to our home.
Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 185 reviews.

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