How to get rid of fungus on a tree stump is an invaluable skill if you deal with trees a lot. If you have them around your home or on your lawn, then you are aware of how ugly it is to have fungi growing.
Tree stump fungus is unsightly and worse it can also harm trees by affecting their structural integrity and even attract pests.
In reality, fungus on tree stumps is not safe. It is thus a matter one must get rid of. Better yet, prevention is the key. It does not matter if the fungus is an oak bracket, black spot, powdery mildew, or mushroom. Regardless of the tree fungi variety, you can fight back with a solution.
Reason’s To Be Wary of Tree Fungus
As time goes by, tree fungus can make an old tree weak as it causes the wood to rot. While not a risk to humans, fungus becomes a thing to worry about due to fragile trees in your garden or lawn. (Read 7 Must-Have Tools for Gardeners)
A tree subjected to fungus for a long period of time will be prone to break and collapse, very perilous for people in a yard and structures nearby. Branches could fall unexpectedly if they rot.
Bugs And Parasites In The Yard
Besides the imminent danger of a tree collapsing, The fungus could also attract annoying pests and bugs. If a tree with fungus is near your house, bugs and parasites could invade other plants. If this happens it poses a real health concern as you never know the kind of germicides these critters could be spreading.
For the most part, though, the vast majority of trees infected with fungus will not harm humans. Just keep in mind that fungus is not good for our health. It is thus prudent to avoid it and get rid of it as soon as it appears.
Essential Ways for Coping Against Tree Fungus
The use of fungicide – Using fungicide is an easy DIY application. It is effective against most fungi infections when manufacturers’ directions are followed.
Baking Soda and Water – This no doubt is an inexpensive and safe method. All you will need are home ingredients. The drawback is that it may not work with all fungi infestations.
Amputate Affected Tree Parts – Try and remove all fungus you can see. Unfortunately, this may not work if the stump is the part infected.
Neem Oil – This essential oil can be quite effective as it works akin to a fungicide.
Prevention of Tree Fungus
The wisest way of fighting tree fungus is to prevent it. To protect your trees one must know the conditions that fungus thrive under. Tree fungus will begin and spread due to certain conditions. (Learn How To Get Rid Of Mushrooms In Mulch)
Pruning
Many trim trees to keep them pretty, but the more important reason is to keep them healthy. Prune at the right time and trees will be stronger, prettier, and grow faster. Be forewarned that pruning at the wrong time could actually trigger tree fungus.
As a rule, the best pruning time is during winter. Pruning trees during warmer temperatures cause the cuts on the trees not to heal fast enough. This makes them vulnerable to catch diseases.
Tree pruning time could also depend on the species, so do your homework for a better yard. For instance, do not prune an oak tree in the early spring as this will risk the odds of fungus starting. In contrast, other species and plants react well to pruning during this time.
Keep in mind that winter dormancy is the most opportune time to prune.
Beware of Excessive Water
An easy technique to prevent tree fungus is to simply go easy on the water. This is particularly true if rain is prevalent in your place. Overwater trees and roots will rot, inviting fungi to start inside the rotting roots.
The moment the fungus begins to colonize, it will start making their up into the tree. At that point, that is when the fungi become visible. The optimal way to hydrate a tree is to treat it to a generous watering once a week.
Water every day will result in tree roots constantly wet, the perfect conditions for fungus. Besides newly planted trees that need water more, established trees will require much less.
Maintain Your Gardening Tools
The use of the same gardening gear daily will lead to dirt. The tools could harbor bacteria and other germs if they are not cleaned. If these are used on your trees you unwittingly spread fungus spores to grow yourself. (Read How To Propagate Virginia Creeper)
Unsharpened tools are also a bad idea. They are unable to do clean cuts, resulting in scars to attract dirt and moisture. Always have a sharp and sanitized cutting tool.
Observe Proper Trees Maintenance
If you live around trees, it is vital to constantly drain the soil thoroughly. Also, get rid of decaying stems and leaves. There are preventative fungicides available to fight possible infestations and diseases.
Always be cognizant that surrounding trees, plants and shrubs are not affecting your tree. Ventilation is also very important. Endeavor to trim anything that hinders the flow of air, and be on the alert for vines that start to grow.
Plant A Tree In The Right Spot
All tree species have preferred conditions where they will thrive optimally. Some are great under full sunshine to grow. By contrast, others need sun protection to prevent overexposure.
Some trees are ok with the moist ground. On the contrary, other species will die if they have constant moisture. Different trees have different condition requirements.
Another rule is to cooperate with your environment. I made the mistake of planting a tree in my garden, knowing fully well that species was not suited to our climate. All the care I lavished on it did little for it to thrive.
Eventually, the tree did not realize its full growth potential. Ever since that experience I only plant species that I know will flourish under our natural climate conditions.
