Fungus on trees

Trees and shrubs with damage to the trunk or branches, or sustained moisture on trees bark can cause decay of the bark and/or the underlying plant tissue. This can favour the growth of a fungus. 

The fungi seen growing on the tree is the fruiting body of a much larger organism.  Fungi are nature's recyclers: they feed on decomposing organic matter and help to break it down. Fungi show up on trees as well as woody mulches, and may also appear in lawns and gardens.  

Symptoms:

Fungal growth on the tree will start when moisture levels are high and continue to grow or multiply under these conditions.

Control:

When there is dry weather or when winter approaches, the fungi will dry up.  Some of the growths will drop off or completely dissolve.  

Fungi usually indicate the presence of a larger problem, like physical damage to the tree, a disorder, insect damage or a disease that is killing plant tissue.