What are these mushrooms on my silver maple tree in Burton?

Dryad’s Saddle (Polyporus squamosus) is a common fungus found on Maple and other deciduous trees in Burton. If found on a living tree this tree fungus is considered a parasite, as it feeds on the living and dead wood of the tree which can cause branch or tree failure. The fungus is opportunistic, entering into tree wounds commonly due to storm damage or improper pruning cuts that are too large in diameter for the tree species.

If you believe you have found Dryad’s Saddle in your tree, or your tree may be susceptible, contact an ISA Certified Arborist. Here are some items to consider if this tree fungus is found on your trees.

Maintenance pruning

o Based on tree species, thinning the upper canopy can mitigate risk during wind events.
o Reducing limbs’ length, thereby decreasing weight load, can mitigate the risk of branch failure on a tree with Dryads Saddle fungi.
o Adding support cabling in place of removal of the limb can mitigate the risk of branch failure.

Hiring a Certified Arborist

o Choosing an arborist who is knowledgeable about the long-term potential effects of pruning cuts is very important for the health of the tree, safety of the surrounding location of the tree, as well as having an effect on future maintenance costs.
o Choosing an experienced, ISA Certified Arborist, instead of the lowest priced estimate can reduce future costs and potentially prevent tree or branch failure.

Location of Infection

o Dryad’s Saddle can feed and decay wood up to 4 feet from where it entered the tree.
o It is important to consider how the infection area will affect the tree structurally.
o On a silver maple a 12 inch in diameter cut or larger has a higher likelihood of being infected with Dryad’s Saddle than smaller wounds.

Silver maples are beautiful fast-growing trees and are common throughout Burton. They offer great shade benefits and are a fairly low maintenance tree but do require a higher level of maintenance as they mature to mitigate the risk of property damage or injury.

Pictures included in this blog have past pruning cuts that allowed Dryad’s Saddle to enter, thus compromising the structural integrity of the trees.

If you notice mushrooms growing on or near your tree, call Owen Tree & Lawn Care to have the tree inspected by an ISA Certified Arborist.

Dryad's Saddle on old pruning wounds in a maple. | David Evans, Owen Tree Service