Veon Arboriculturalists identified Kretzschmaria deusta when undertaking a Tree Risk Assessment for a client in Co. Kildare.
Kretzschmaria deusta is a wood-decaying fungus that infects beech, in this instance, as well as lime, maple, and other hardwoods. Often called “Brittle cinder” fungus due to its black, cracked fruiting bodies, it colonizes wounds or weak points in the tree, particularly near the base. Unlike many fungi that attack already-dead wood, K. deusta can infect living trees, causing a type of rot known as “soft rot” (cellulose decay). This weakens both the heartwood and structural integrity of the tree over time. Critically, infected beech trees often show few external symptoms until the internal decay is extensive and can lead to a catastrophic brittle ceramic-like failure of trees at the butt. It is also associated with “summer branch drop” in ash (this is more prolific during drought) where trees can fail without warning.
A Tree Risk Assessment conducted by a qualified Veon arboriculturalist ensures that the risk is identified and appropriate steps are taken. Managing Kretzschmaria deusta involves careful monitoring and, where necessary, the removal of affected trees.
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