What's growing inside my tree?

Any idea what this stuff is? Popped off some loose bark and this stuff was inside.

 

That tree is sick
Some type of mold/fungus. Most likely it will need to be cut down.

 

Crap, was hoping that wasn't the case.
Any idea what it is or how it happened? Recently bought the house and this was on the property

 

https://www.gotreequotes.com/tree-fungus-identification-and-treatment/



https://www.gotreequotes.com/tree-fungus-identification-and-treatment/


Looks like oak wilt, the problem is where the fungus attacked.... the trunk.

 

Lets get some better photos when you get the chance. 30+ year Certified Arborist, BS Hort Science, 30+ years owner/operator tree care and consulting services. I've seen a thing or 2.

That was all happening under loose bark you removed? I wouldn't jump to any dire conclusions yet. The photo doesn't give the story. Is it a cavity? Old wound? A few different angles would help size it up. To begin, you can remove any of the "loose" material that has built up to clarify the area and maybe offer a better photo op.

Also, get some photos from a distance showing the tree and lay of the land it's on. I'd like to see the entire structure and some healthy leaves.

 

Cheers, will get some photos up for review!

 

Have you watched “Stranger Things”?

 

Sorry for the late response!
More photos!

 

What do ya think?

 

As a guy who likes trees…sub’d

 

well thats not what i want either

 

I'm not familiar with the tree species. It's not a west coaster tree but it looks like a birch species that we don't commonly see out here like a Paper Bark or possibly Red Birch. Species isn't critical in this case but I was hoping for a better angle on the spot in question to see if it is a cavity into the pith of the structure or just superficial and under the loose bark? Structurally, the tree has some issues that are most likely created from severe and improper pruning many moons ago. The primary branching structure has extremely narrow crotch angles at all attachment points creating just a maze of codominant primary scaffold branches. Up in the canopy, you'll notice the crotches are mostly 45* to 90* attachments which are the strongest structures. The lower scaffolds essentially can start creating a lot of pressure on one another unless they graft together and grow as one unit. Structures like this are prone to failure in wind events and sometimes just out of the blue. That said, it doesn't appear to be so far along into a condition that you could expect immanent failure. By keeping up the maintenance on the upper canopy by proper thinning and occasional tip reduction to help alleviate weight and windthrow, the tree could go a very long time with no failures.

The funky section of trunk is not likely a serious issue structurally or from a health standpoint. It appears to be an isolated location stemming from a fissure in the bark as that branch increases in girth. Fissures can be seen in very healthy trees that experience immense growth spurts and the bark cracks before cambium cells can be laid down to accommodate such rapid growth. What happens is there's a space created between the bark and the solid wood and that creates a perfect environment for moisture collection, bugs, molds, and fungus pockets to take hold and then as the bark falls off or is removed, it exposes the area as we see here. It's likely a secondary condition with minimal threat to the tree. I would recommend removing all the loose components in that spot. Just knock all the frass and fungal spots out and any further loose bark so the area can dry out.

If there is a cavity leading inward, keep it cleaned out and dry when possible. Keep the tree thinned out but don't butch it as it will tend to push growth if over pruned defeating the entire purpose.

 

really appreciate the feedback!

 

https://www.isa-arbor.com/

Here’s a link allowing you to find a certified arborist in your town that can assess.

 

Your analysis is just absolutely amazing. Wanted to stop in to say this.

 

Thank you.

That'll be $140 USD.

 

The check is in the mail, keep an eye out for it.

 

I'll be on pins and needles while awaiting payment!

 

You're too kind, Dude. YOU were the one that did the most awesome, cool deed!