Shelf Fungus on Trees

I get called out quite often to assess the condition of trees which have various types of shelf fungus growing on them. This fungus, which appears mushroom like growing on trunks and branches, is an indication of something more serious going on inside the tree.
Trees are subject to different types of wood rotting fungal diseases which severely affect their structural integrity. The extent of internal decay from these diseases is usually not evident from the outside. What you will see though, is the appearance of fruiting bodies or mushroom-like structures attached to bark and branches.
By the time these fruiting bodies occur, the branch or trunk will have been greatly weakened. These fruiting structures also indicate that the tree is failing to wall off the spread of this disease. Since the disease does not attack the food or water conducting vessels in the tree, the tree may appear to be otherwise healthy.
These wood rotting diseases can live in the tree many years before the tree becomes a hazard. Treatment includes pruning off all infected branches and twigs, maintaining the vigor of the tree by fertilization and watering, and finally by removing the entire tree before it becomes too weak to support its own weight.
Shelf fungus does have its uses though. Some folks collect them for various artistic projects and others use them for medicinal purposes. I have included a website with some excellent pictures and information about this type of fungus.
http://www.wisc.edu/botany/fungi/march99... .

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