Apple tree fungi

[Anton]

Fellow gardeners,

One of the apple trees on our allotment has suddenly sprouted some nasty looking toadstools at its base (see pictures). Can any one identify them and tell me if they are something to worry about and what remedies we might think of taking please?

Anton

[veggiechicken]

I'm no expert but it could be honey fungus.
Is it an old tree and is it healthy, apart from the fungus?

[mothhawk]

I think quite probably that is honey fungus

'Honey Fungus' mushrooms, photographed by Roger Butterfield.

I'm no expert so I could be wrong, but if not https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=180

[mothhawk]

Snap, VC

[Anton]

Thanks for your answers. Yes, the tree is quite healthy.

[clod]

I'd say honey fungus too.
But you asked about what to do as well...

Definitely don't worry - it does have a really bad reputation but that's not to say it's curtains. As far as I remember there are are many strains of honey fungus, and while a few are invasive detroyers others are relatively harmless and can be lived with for many years. I think you'd need an expert to give an opinion on what strain you have, but time will tell.

The health of the crown is not going to tell much (unless the spread of fungus is very far advanced) because it's a root problem - when enough roots are rotted the tree tends to fall. Anything you can do to keep it growing happily will help, most of all avoiding a stressed plant which is more likely to succumb. In practice this means watering in the dry - feeding is unlikley to help (unless it's very hungry) but ensuring that the trace elements are all there can reduce stress.

There used to be advice about digging trenches around the roots to install physical barriers and soaking with a fungicide called armillatox (don't know if it's still available), but I think this was meant to prevent the fungus getting in to the tree in the first place. I would suggest not disturbing the root area at all as this would damage the roots more.

So, after waffling on a bit, I'd say essentially keep it watered, give a little general foliar feed in the growing season, keep your fingers crossed and wait and see. If it's a tree you care for a lot, then take cuttings as replacements in case they're needed.

Good luck!

[Anton]

Thanks a lot for those encouraging words, Clod.

Anton