Like figures from another world, they seem to sprout out of the tree bark overnight. Tree fungi only form their majestic fruiting bodies when their network has penetrated the entire wood. If it is an apple tree, your room for maneuver is very limited. This guide explains how to act correctly now.

Visible fungi on the tree are often the result of years of secret maturing

Fruiting bodies are just the tip of the iceberg

If you have discovered a tree fungus on the apple tree, you only see the spores of the creature; known in technical jargon as the fruiting body. The majority of the fungal organism has long since permeated the entire wood inside the tree in the form of mycelium. Due to this way of life, tree fungi often act in secret for years, which considerably limits the options for countermeasures.

Tree fungus infestation on the apple tree - this is how you act correctly

Regardless of whether or not you can determine the exact species of tree fungus, combating it has little chance of success. After all, you can delay the demise of your apple tree by several years. You have the following options:

  • Prune affected side branches back into healthy wood at an early stage
  • Consistently remove fruiting bodies before the spores mature
  • Cut down heavily infested apple tree as a precaution

Please do not dispose of clippings from infested wood or the remains of the fruit bodies in the garden. From the compost heap, the spores are guaranteed to find a way to the nearest tree.

Preventing tree fungus on the apple tree - tried and tested tips

The spores of tree fungi make their way into the wood primarily via cuts. The pathogens are often already on the blades of the cutting tools because they have not been cleaned beforehand. Therefore, carefully disinfect the scissors and saw before each pruning on the apple tree.

Injuries to the roots offer tree fungi the ideal target. Therefore, avoid working on the tree disc with heavy equipment. Mow grass growth with the scythe and not with the lawn mower, whose cutter bars could damage the root strands. If another tree is cleared near your apple tree, remove the entire rootstock, as tree fungi like to settle in it and spread in the garden.

tips

Numerous tree fungi use the autumn leaves as winter quarters for their spores. Here the pathogens survive the cold season in order to look for the next victim in spring. You can put an end to this fatal cycle if you don't mulch the discs on your apple trees in winter.

Category:

Vegetable garden