Mushrooms on or around the trunk

Mushrooms at the base of the tree trunk can indicate big problems. They can be the sign of armillaria root rot (right photo) or other fungi which kill trees. Once you see the mushroom like that shown on the right the decay fungus has established itself inside the roots and trunk.

There is no cure for this but progression of the disease may be slowed by exposing the root collar to air by removing soil. Prevent injury to the base of trunks to help prevent this problem. The conks below is a sign that the trunk is decayed. This tree was taken down because it was ready to fall over (below photo).
Click here for more on trunk decay.