A Client recently wrote to the Help Desk seeking feedback on the lichen growing on their Japanese maple tree.
“Thank you for contacting the UC Master Gardener Program Help Desk regarding your Japanese Maple. Thank you also for the great pictures, as they are always helpful in understanding a situation,” replied CoCoMg Emma Connery.
“The white structures you see running up the trunks are not lichen but are ‘conks’. Conk is a common name for a type of reproductive structure of wood-rotting fungi. Wood rots are primarily fungal, and fungal spores typically gain entry via tree wounds. Once a conk appears, the decay is fairly advanced,” she noted.
She provided the client with a link to a UC publication titled “Wood Decay Fungi in Landscape Trees.” It provides information on various types of decay fungi.
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/legacy_assets/PDF/PESTNOTES/pnwooddecay.pdf
“Ultimately the tree should be removed. With only pictures to look at, I am unable to determine the exact fungus infecting the tree or the extent of the rot. You might want to have a qualified expert assess the tree and recommend appropriate treatment.
“Here is the link to the International Society of Arboriculture’s tool for finding a certified arborist in your area: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist. Click on Find an Arborist and then enter your location. I suggest selecting several that seem to have the credentials you are looking for and contacting them for information regarding your specific situation and to compare costs,” she added.
“I hope you find this information helpful. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us again.”
Photos provided by client.
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