Below is a brief summary of the most common defects you are likely to find caused by animals and insects and fungi.

 

Common Tree Defects caused by Animals, Insects and Pathogens

  • Damage from Birds:

Our experience has shown us that structural damage can be caused by birds.  This can lead to tree and/or limb failure. Birds will build nest and create hollows in trees by chewing  away decaying timber. Other times they chew on the bark looking for insects. These defects are less visible from the ground but may show up as “bleeding” coming from the branch junction.

 

  • Borer and Insect Damage:

Borers and insects damage in many cases is not detrimental to the long term survival of the tree. They can however over prolonged periods decline the immune system of a tree and cause substantial damage leading to possible decline of the tree. Trees have their own defense mechanisms by which they fight of borer attack and this is often in the form of Kino which smoothers the insect. This can sometimes be seen as weeping or bleeding on the trunk of tree

 

  • Bracket Fungi:

This is one of the wood decaying fungi typically found in trees. It decays away the structural timber of a tree which can affect the trees integrity. It is not always detrimental to the tree however should be checked. Typical signs of advanced damage can include canopy thinning and development of large dead branches within the tree.

 

  • Other Fungi:

There are also many other fungi that can cause damage to trees. These are often not as evident as the bracket fungi and may be seen as fruiting bodies growing out of the ground close to trees at certain times of the year. They can affect the structural roots of trees and should be checked by an expert for correct identification.