What are these mushrooms growing on my silver maple tree in Flushing?

Dryad’s saddle (Polyporus squamosus) is a common fungus found on maple and other deciduous trees in Flushing, MI. When it appears on a live tree, it is considered parasitic, feeding on both living and dead wood, which can result in branch loss or tree failure. This fungus typically enters the tree through wounds caused by storm damage or incorrect pruning cuts that are too large for the tree species.

If you believe your tree may have Dryad’s Saddle or is vulnerable to infection, it’s best to consult an ISA Certified Arborist. To help keep this fungus from infecting your trees consider:

Proper pruning
• Thinning the upper canopy, based on the tree species, can help reduce the risk of damage during storms.
• Shortening branches and reducing their weight can lessen the chances of branch failure and Dryad’s Saddle infection.
• Installing cabling to support limbs, rather than removing them, can reduce the risk of branch collapse and infection by Dryad’s Saddle.

Hiring an ISA Certified Arborist
• Choosing an arborist knowledgeable about the long-term effects of pruning cuts is crucial for the health of your tree, as well as the safety of its surrounding area and future maintenance costs.
• Prioritizing expertise over the cheapest estimate can help reduce future costs and prevent potential tree or branch failures.

Typically, Dryad’s Saddle decays the tree’s wood about 4 feet from where it infects the tree. It’s important to assess how this infection might affect the tree’s structural integrity, especially when the wound is large enough for Dryad’s Saddle to invade. On silver maples, this usually involves cuts of 12 inches or more in diameter.

Silver maples are quick-growing, attractive trees frequently found in Flushing landscapes. Though they offer great shade and are relatively low-maintenance, they still require ongoing care as they age to minimize the risk of property damage or injury. For an expert inspection of your trees contact Owen Tree & Lawn Care today at 800-724-6680.