Tree Care Extraordinaire have spent this lovely sunny day over at Moor Park reducing this huge beech tree. The reason for this reduction was the tree had a root decaying fungus called meripilus giganteus.
Given the trees size and prominent location on a heavily used area, it was decided to carry out the heaviest reduction possible. We removed all the branch weight and wind sail but all whilst still retaining a nice aesthetic feature. This reduction can still be enjoyed by wildlife for years to come. It us unlikely the tree will regenerate any growth but this makes the stem safer and easier to remove in the future when the structure deteriorates further.
Meripilus giganteus, also known as giant polypore, is a large wood-rotting fungus that is found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Here are some facts about Meripilus giganteus:
- Size: The fruiting body of Meripilus giganteus can reach up to 100 cm (39 inches) in diameter and up to 20 cm (8 inches) thick.
- Habitat: Meripilus giganteus grows on the stumps, logs, and roots of various hardwood trees, including oak, beech, and elm.
- Appearance: The fruiting body of Meripilus giganteus has a reddish-brown to dark brown cap that is covered in scales or pores. The flesh is white to cream-colored and has a soft, spongy texture.
- Edibility: Meripilus giganteus is not considered edible due to its tough, woody texture and bitter taste.
- Ecology: Meripilus giganteus is a wood-rotting fungus that plays an important role in breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients in forest ecosystems.
Regardless of the approach taken, it’s important to dispose of the infected wood properly to prevent the disease from spreading further. This can involve burning the wood, chipping it into small pieces, or burying it deep in the ground. It’s also important to take steps to prevent the disease from reoccurring, such as improving soil drainage, using proper tree care practices, and avoiding the planting of susceptible species in the area.
If you happen to live in Preston or areas surrounding it, find out more about our tree removal service.
If you have any concerns about your trees health or need general advice on how we can help, please feel free to get in touch with us!
