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Cankers take many forms
Cankers are typically caused by fungi infecting the trunk. They typically begin with a trunk or branch injury which opens the cambium to infection. There are no treatments for cankers. Keeping trees healthy can sometimes help trees outgrow the fungus infection. Prevent cankers by not injuring the trunk.
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Hypoxylon canker shows as a black or gray crusty patch on the bark. This fungus is common and causes infection as a secondary agent after the tree was weakened by drought, lightning, root cutting, or some other stress.
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The base of Chinese elms and some other trees becomes infected with Phytophthora causing cracks or sunken areas on the lower trunk. |
The Fusarium fungus on southern yellow pines form deep cankers on trunk and branches. This may not kill the tree but the tree can break at this point. |