- Recognize birch under fungal attack
- The most common fungi of birches
- Combat fungal attack on the birch yourself
If the birch suffers from fungal infestation, you as a garden owner can often do little to help the tree. In most cases, these are so-called weak parasites that seek out old or otherwise weakened trees in order to colonize them. Pruning errors can also result in fungi and rot. Get to know the most common birch fungi - and find out how to react correctly in the event of an infestation.
Birch polypore is a common fungus on birch trees
Recognize birch under fungal attack
If a birch shows pests, these are usually small creatures that cause problems for the tree by eating the leaves intensively. A fungal attack, on the other hand, tends to weaken the birch from the inside. Fungi can cause brown or white rot and eventually kill the tree. Especially in the case of white rot, the tree threatens to fall over. Since this is always associated with a danger for people, you should have the birch professionally examined at the latest because of this risk.
Experts such as forest rangers or nurseries may be able to help you control the fungi. They also know at what stage it becomes inevitable to fell the birch. You can rarely get rid of an existing fungal infestation on your own. However, birch trees are generally susceptible to fungal and moss infestation. However, this is often limited, allowing the tree to live on for many years and does not require any treatment.
The most common fungi of birches
- Birch polypore: kidney-shaped and whitish, enters via broken branches
- Flat Lackporling: very flat, brown on the inside with a white outer edge
- Cinnabar sponge: only up to ten centimeters in size and vermillion red, stains wood red
- Tinder fungus: light gray with a concave underside
Combat fungal attack on the birch yourself
If you notice so-called fruiting bodies, you should remove them immediately to prevent the fungi from spreading further. Fungicides can be used preventively, for example if the tree was injured during pruning. However, inexperienced gardeners should seek comprehensive advice before using fungicides.
However, the best prevention against fungi is a species-appropriate location of the birch. The balance in a natural garden produces healthy vital trees that are significantly less susceptible to fungal attack. If you make larger cuts, it is advisable to close the wounds with wound closure afterwards.