Source: FlickrJust like all other living creatures, trees eventually grow old and die. For those beautiful, shady, oak trees in your yard, one of the key indicators of this unfortunate process is the presence of a fungus, hypoxylon atropunctatum. The presence of this fungus does not necessarily mean that your tree is going to die, but quick and appropriate action must be taken to save the plant.
A relatively weak parasite, hypoxylon seeks out the most distressed trees and finishes them off by sapping food and water resources as they work their way up the outer layers of the tree just under the bark. It first appears as a light brown area that turns dusty if disturbed. In its second stage, the fungus turns silver-gray and turns hard to the touch. In either stage, the fungus can have a profoundly devastating effect on a distressed tree.
In short, the presence of hypoxylon indicates a tree that is in need of immediate care. If you think you have a tree infected with hypoxylon or if you need a tree maintenance expert for any other reason, please visit our tree care professionals at our website or call us directly at 816-965-6758.