The fungus pictured here is Ganoderma lucidum. They show up summer through fall. G. lucidum is a very common root and butt rot of most hardwood trees. Oaks, maples, and Honey locusts are particularly susceptible, although ashes, elms and many other deciduous trees can also fall victim. Symptoms associated with G. lucidum include yellowing leaves of the canopy, dead branches, thin canopies, and overall poor vigor. The presence of the fruiting bodies alone is usually no reason for tree removal; however, infected trees often eventually fail as the decay progresses.
It is one of the most easily identified fungus in the urban environment as there are no other fungi, on hardwoods, that have the varnished mahogany fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum. This fungus is documented in medical literature stating it has health benefits and has been used as an anti-inflammatory treatment. Usually sold in teas or as pills.
In this case, these fruiting bodies were initially observed in 2016 which initiated the decision from the client for us to conduct a tree risk assessment on this tree. Despite the entire root collar being riddled with fungus, the Honey locust showed very little internal decay following the tree risk assessment!
