27/08/2026
You’ve probably walked past bracket fungi hundreds of times without realising just how much they can tell us about what’s happening inside a tree 🍄🟫
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One of the more recognisable fungi, often appearing in colourful, layered brackets across dead or decaying wood. It’s a great example of the important role fungi play in breaking down woody material and recycling nutrients.
Bright, bold and difficult to miss when fresh. Chicken of the Woods is one of the more distinctive bracket fungi we encounter and can often be spotted from quite a distance when fruiting.
Honey Fungus is a familiar name to many gardeners, but its significance can vary considerably. What matters is the tree species involved, its overall condition and whether the fungus is affecting the roots or lower stem.
Often noticed around the base of a tree rather than higher in the canopy. Its presence is a useful reminder that a tree inspection isn’t just about looking upwards — the root flare, buttresses and surrounding ground can tell us just as much.
Ganoderma brackets are a fairly common sight on mature trees. When we find them, we look at the wider picture, including their location, the tree’s condition and whether there are any other signs of decay or structural weakness.
Probably one of the most appropriately named fungi — fresh specimens can genuinely resemble a piece of raw meat. Its unusual appearance makes it one of the easier bracket fungi to remember once you’ve seen it.
With its large size and distinctive patterned surface, Dryad’s Saddle can be difficult to miss. It often develops around wounds or damaged areas, making previous pruning points and injuries worth paying attention to during inspections.
Shaggy Bracket can look very different depending on its age and condition. Fresh brackets are often soft and distinctive, while older fruiting bodies can darken considerably — another reason identification isn’t always as straightforward as it first appears.
A great example of the close relationship between certain fungi and particular tree species. Spotting the host tree can often