Sustainable Hackney

This is a mature chestnut tree in Clissold park.  It has a fungal root disease (Ganoderma resinaceum) that is gradually eating its roots (large photo).  It will kill the tree.  The disease was caused by damage to the base of the tree (smaller photo).  That damage was almost certainly caused by mowing.  Hundreds of trees are dying in Hackney because they have been mowed!

mower damage to base of tree

At least this is a pretty fungus and dying trees offer excellent habitat for fungi and invertebrates.

Russell Miller 907 days ago