Extensive basal decay in a mature sycamore noted during a Tree Survey in Co. Dublin. This sycamore has been infected with brittle cinder fungus (Kretzschmaria deusta) which was detected by Veon Arboriculturalists during a BS5837 Tree Survey.
Brittle cinder fungus is a fungal pathogen that causes breakage in seemingly healthy trees and will continue to decay wood after the host tree has died. Proper fertilisation and pruning can help prevent this fungal pathogen infecting a tree. If the infected tree does require removal, it should be carefully examined to assess the degree of internal decay to ensure that the structure of the tree does not fail during the removal process.