What is Honey Fungus and How Does it Affect Trees?

What is Honey Fungus and How Does it Affect Trees?

If you’ve noticed a cluster of honey coloured toadstools or white fungal growth between loose bark and wood of your tree, it might be a case of honey fungus infection.. It is important that trees infected by honey fungus are properly assessed, to ensure they are not in dangerous condition and to prevent spread of the disease where possible.  Check this article for the signs and symptoms of honey fungus. If you notice any — don’t panic. Just call Artemis Tree Services for help.

What is honey fungus?

Honey fungus is a common name given to various species of fungus that attack the roots of many woody and perennial plants. Honey fungus includes about ten species and may also be referred to by its scientific classification ‘Armillaria’.

Honey fungus tends to grow in small dense clusters and may manifest as honey-coloured mushrooms and/or a white fungus, both of which would typically be found at the base of the tree.

Many tree and woody shrub species can be at risk of honey fungus infection, including apple, beech, birch, hydrangea, magnolia, pear and privet..

Honey fungus is not always easy to spot because it attacks the tree from underground. Though it’s also prevalent in the wild, honey fungus tends to be more destructive in managed gardens due to a lack of competing fungi interfering with its attack. 

How is a tree affected by honey fungus?

Honey fungus generally attacks the tree below the ground but will eventually cause problems above ground, too.

Symptoms of honey fungus below ground include:

  • Dead or decaying roots
  • Rhizomorphs — a threadlike or cordlike structure — which absorb nutrients from the tree

Symptoms of honey fungus from above ground include:

  • Dead upper parts of the plant
  • Unusually small and pale leaves
  • Failure to flower or unusually heavy flowering
  • Premature autumn colour
  • Cracking or bleeding bark

Remember — a white fungus or the sudden growth of a honey-coloured mushroom at the base of the tree is usually an indicator of a honey fungus infection, and usually with the tree or shrub looking in poor health.

How is honey fungus treated?

Unfortunately, there is no treatment available for honey fungus. Often the best course of action is to excavate and destroy all of the infected root and stump material. This may be achieved via burning or landfill. Excavation and destruction of the infected areas can be dangerous if not carried out by a professional. You should always contact a professional tree surgeon if you suspect honey fungus on any of your trees.

What about other tree fungi?

If fungus is growing from or close to your tree but doesn’t look like honey fungus, it is best to have this checked by a professional. Wood decay fungi can grow in many forms, such as toadstools growing at the base of trees or large fungal brackets growing directly from the trunk or branches. 

A tree may look healthy from the outside, but decayed or hollow inside the trunk or below ground. In some cases it may be necessary to assess the extent of internal decay using specialist decay detection equipment.

At Artemis Tree Services, we use the latest Resistograph Microdrill (IML Resi-PD400) to accurately detect small changes of internal wood structure. The versatility of this equipment allows us to assess the trunk and large structural roots, as well as higher up parts of the tree as part of an aerial inspection. In some cases, an air spade will be used to expose and assess the condition of major roots.

 

Artemis Tree Services are award-winning tree surgeons serving domestic and commercial clients across North London, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Among our extensive range of services is tree decay detection, where we use cutting-edge equipment to identify various types of tree decay. If you suspect there is an issue with your tree, our team will accurately identify the problem and use safe, efficient and effective methods to remedy it.

Don’t let decay destroy your trees. Contact Artemis Tree Services today for swift, professional help.

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594 reviews

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Anonymous

Artemis removed a tree and neatened a hedge. The work was very neat. In all my dealings with Artemis, they have always been very reliable and trustworthy, and I have recommended them to a neighbour.... Artemis removed a tree and neatened a hedge. The work was very neat. In all my dealings with Artemis, they have always been very reliable and trustworthy, and I have recommended them to a neighbour.

6 days ago

Vicki

Very professional, efficient and friendly service. The team did an excellent job of taking down an old tree, planting a new one and pruning three others. Everything was left very tidy.... Very professional, efficient and friendly service. The team did an excellent job of taking down an old tree, planting a new one and pruning three others. Everything was left very tidy.

2 weeks ago

Jill Lesley Sloley

The tree work was carried out by friendly operatives who arrived on time and worked efficiently and well. They took away all the debris and left me with a tidy garden. The office people I have spok... The tree work was carried out by friendly operatives who arrived on time and worked efficiently and well. They took away all the debris and left me with a tidy garden. The office people I have spoken to have also been friendly, helpful and efficient.

3 weeks ago

Maggie

This is the first occasion using Artemis and we found the service from start to finish prompt, professional and friendly. The interaction prior to the commencement of the work was really efficient, a... This is the first occasion using Artemis and we found the service from start to finish prompt, professional and friendly. The interaction prior to the commencement of the work was really efficient, and the team on the day were great and the work completed was to an exceptional standard, as was the clear up afterwards. A big thanks to Loise, Lewis, Mo and Marchin for your hard work on the day, and to Scott too who did the initial quotation. Well done boys and we are so pleased with the end result!

1 month ago

Anonymous

Survey completed quickly after our enquiry and clear and concise quote provided within a day. Great booking and pre-visit communication. The chaps that did the work were courteous and professional - k... Survey completed quickly after our enquiry and clear and concise quote provided within a day. Great booking and pre-visit communication. The chaps that did the work were courteous and professional - knew what they were doing and clearly communicated how the job was going and answered any questions we had during the work. They took their time to do the job well. Site left tidy with trees pruned and shaped as agreed. Artemis are expert and professional.

1 month ago

steve lynch

Artemis have undertaken two pieces of tree work for us in the last few weeks and on both occasions they did an absolutely great job. excellent value for money, I would thoroughly recommend them!... Artemis have undertaken two pieces of tree work for us in the last few weeks and on both occasions they did an absolutely great job. excellent value for money, I would thoroughly recommend them!

2 months ago

Anonymous

I would recommend this company to anyone. They were amazing from start to finish. They cleaned all the mess and took it away with them. Very happy, thank you again... I would recommend this company to anyone. They were amazing from start to finish. They cleaned all the mess and took it away with them. Very happy, thank you again

3 months ago

Ken And Joan Richardson

As usual our Magnolia tree was cut to perfection .The teamleft our property clean and tidy ,We have used Artemis tree Services for about 15 years and would not want to have anyone else to do the work ... As usual our Magnolia tree was cut to perfection .The teamleft our property clean and tidy ,We have used Artemis tree Services for about 15 years and would not want to have anyone else to do the work A big Thank you to the team ,

3 months ago

Michael Quy

A prompt professional team. I have used Artemis before and recommend them highly....

3 months ago

Gordon Trievnor

Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Arte... Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Artemis. Highly recommended.

4 months ago

Keith

Very efficient customer service. Did the job when they said they would. Met all our expectations. Would recommend....

4 months ago

Francis Xavier Emmanuel

This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see th... This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see the two young lads genuinely enjoying their work! 57 Bow Lane, Finchley, N12 0JL.

5 months ago

Enthusiastic of Eastcote

My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and i... My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and industrious manner. These young men were friendly and helpful, completing the job to our exact requirements, and tidying up thoroughly afterwards. In addition, they approached their work in full compliance with health and safety regulations. All in all, they were splendid ambassadors for their company!

6 months ago

Mrs S. Beattie

This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the pri... This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the price is fair. I wouldn't use anyone else.

6 months ago

Anonymous

We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly pr... We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly priced. If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable tree services look no further!

6 months ago

Derek Welch, Chalfont St Peter

Very professional, work hard, friendly and cooperative. Very highly recommended - they know what they are doing!...

6 months ago

Peter

Always friendly helpful staff, very knowledgable, prune/trim trees very well leaving a good shape and tidy up afterwards....

7 months ago

M Pearce

Polite, efficient, helpful - highly reccomended...

8 months ago

Brian (Pinner)

Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.... Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.

8 months ago

Michelle Hyer

Excellent service, tidy, efficient, on-time and someone at the end of the phone for queries! I would highly recemmend x...

9 months ago

Barbara M Grant, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis con... Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis continues to uphold and deliver the professional status of this important skill. They offer a a high quality service from the very first contact through to delivery of a clean and crafted conclusion. I have no hesitation in recommending their outstanding service. Many thanks to all involved.

9 months ago