26/08/2026
As arborists, fungi play a significant role in helping us understand the health of trees and what might be happening just out of sight.
On the beneficial end of the spectrum, Mycorrhizal is one form of beneficial soil fungi which live in association with the roots of a tree and form a mutually beneficial working relationship. Mycorrhizal fungi can help extend the effective reach of the root system and improve the trees access to water and nutrients. In exchange, the tree supplies the fungi with carbohydrates, or sugar molecules, produced through photosynthesis.
Where soil conditions or root health have been compromised, appropriate soil treatments may help improve the root-zone environment and support beneficial soil biology, including mycorrhizal fungi. However, identifying the underlying cause of tree decline is important before deciding on a treatment.
Visible fungi, often referred to as fungal fruiting bodies, can sometimes indicate that decay is occurring within the wood or roots of a tree. The species of fungus, its location and the condition of the surrounding tree can provide an arborist with valuable information about what may be occurring internally. Some fungi colonise and decay living woody tissue, while others predominantly break down wood that is already dead.
Other fungal diseases such as Anthracnose, may cause symptoms such as dead or discoloured areas on leaves, premature leaf drop, twig dieback and, in some species, cankers (localised areas of dead or diseased tissue) on twigs, bark or branches.
If you see fungi growing on or around your trees, or your tree is not thriving as it should, the best course of action is to have it inspected by a Local Tree Care Arborist. We can assess the tree, identify the likely cause and recommend the best course of action going forward, whether offering a treatment from an Arborist or advice on managing the issues yourself.
