Honey Fungus – what can be done?

As every gardener knows, Honey Fungus can be a big problem for trees, hedges and shrubs, often resulting in the loss of many valued specimens.

Geo Tree has some helpful strategies that can protect trees from the effects of Honey Fungus. Perhaps the best way to safeguard against this disease to optimise the natural health and resilience of your trees. Our soil treatments can certainly help to achieve optimal plant health. However, if the disease is already present then a more targeted response may well be called for.

Soil Inoculation with Trichoderma

The Trichoderma group of fungi are known to be parasitic towards Honey Fungus. Geo Tree is able to inoculate the soil around trees infected with Honey Fungus with a bespoke mix of mycorrhizal fungi including species of Trichoderma fungi. This is likely to have a positive effect on the health of your trees and a negative effect on the spread of Honey Fungus.

Root Collar Excavation

Another method that has been proven as effective is to use the Air Spade to break up the upper soil layer around the buttress and root collar of trees where Honey Fungus is present. We then top dress around the trees with a bespoke mulch containing, biochar, beneficial mycorrhizal fungi and other bio-stimulants.

Honey fungus involves several species and subspecies of Armillaria fungus. It is widespread and common affecting a broad range of deciduous and coniferous trees species. It often colonises weak or stressed trees and it is often fatal. Affected trees and plants will generally show sparse, undersized and chlorotic foliage. As the disease progresses roots become decayed and windthrow may be a risk with larger trees.

If you suspect Honey Fungus may be affecting your trees and are interested in our treatments, please get in touch.