When Fungal Decay Strikes: How Tree Splatting Can Compromise Tree Health
Tree Removal in Wichita, KS: How Fungal Decay and Splatting Can Compromise Tree Safety
At Tree Of Life Arborist, we often encounter a variety of issues that threaten the health and stability of trees. One such problem that can have serious consequences is fungal decay caused by splatting. This condition can lead to the weakening and eventual removal of a tree, as we recently experienced with one of our recent jobs.
In this post, we’ll dive into what splatting is, how it causes decay in trees, and why it’s crucial to address it early to avoid costly and potentially hazardous tree removal.
What is Tree Splatting?
“Splatting” is a term we use to describe the process where fungal spores infect the tree through wounds or injuries in the bark, leading to the spread of rot and decay inside the tree. The term "splatting" often refers to the outward appearance of fungal growth, which can sometimes form around the point of infection, giving the tree a splattered or streaked look.
Trees, just like humans, are vulnerable to pathogens, especially when they're stressed or injured. Fungal spores can enter through a variety of channels, including:
Injuries from storms: Broken limbs or torn bark provide an entry point for fungi.
Improper pruning: Poor pruning cuts that leave large, exposed areas.
Environmental stress: Drought, excessive rain, or soil compaction that weakens a tree’s immune system.
Pests: Insects like wood-boring beetles can also create holes that allow fungi to enter.
Once fungal spores have entered the tree, they begin to grow and decay the wood. Over time, this causes internal structural damage, weakening the tree and making it prone to failure.
How Fungal Decay Affects Trees
Fungal decay is an insidious problem that can silently weaken trees, making them unsafe before visible signs of damage appear. Here’s how it progresses:
Initial Infection: When fungal spores enter through a wound, the fungus starts to decay the tree’s tissue. Depending on the type of fungus, the decay can spread in different ways, affecting the tree’s stability, nutrient flow, and overall health.
Weakening the Structure: As the fungus continues to spread, it begins to break down the wood fibers inside the tree. This compromises the structural integrity, leading to internal hollowing and making the tree more susceptible to wind damage and breakage.
Visible Symptoms: As the decay progresses, you might notice visible symptoms like discolored bark, wilting leaves, or the appearance of fungal fruiting bodies (mushrooms or conks) around the base or branches of the tree. These are often signs that decay has spread significantly, and the tree is at risk of falling.
Increased Risk of Failure: A decayed tree is more likely to fail, especially during storms or heavy winds. The weakened trunk and limbs may snap, causing damage to nearby structures or posing a direct safety hazard to people or pets.
Why We Had to Remove a Tree Due to Splatting and Decay
Recently, we had to remove a tree from a client’s property that had suffered severe fungal decay as a result of splatting.
While removing a tree is always a last resort, in this case, it was the only responsible option to prevent any danger to the property or people nearby.
Preventing Fungal Decay in Your Trees
While we can’t always prevent trees from getting infected with fungi, there are steps homeowners can take to minimize the risk:
Proper Pruning: Always have your trees professionally pruned by an experienced tree service company. Pruning at the wrong time of year or leaving large, exposed cuts can invite fungal infections.
Tree Health Monitoring: Regularly check your trees for signs of disease or damage. The earlier you catch issues like splatting and fungal growth, the easier it is to mitigate the damage.
Avoid Stress: Proper care, including adequate watering, mulching, and maintaining good soil health, can help keep trees strong and more resistant to pathogens.
Fungal Treatments: If you notice early signs of fungal infections, you or a professional may be able to treat the tree with fungicides or recommend specific measures to stop the spread.