Renovation & Design
Renovation & Design
Mushrooms a sure sign of a dead or dying tree
A common question I've had from many property owners this past summer relates to mushrooms growing on trees. Why are we seeing excessive growth of mushrooms on trees now?
Mushrooms are referred to as the fruiting bodies of fungi, and they typically occur on the bark and branches of trees that are under stress, or in many instances, on trees that are slowly dying. It is important to know tree mushrooms produce very small spores that are released into the air -- usually by the wind -- to produce new generations of fungi. The mushroom itself is produced by a network of very fine, threadlike, structures that are collectively called mycelium. These fine threads work their way through the decomposing portions of trees, especially on bark and wood, and other organic matter associated with trees.
The mycelium threads act like rootlets to absorb decomposed nutrient material from the decaying wood. However, mushrooms are even far more complex than I have described simply previously. When you see those growths -- often white or brown or grey in colour -- on your tree, the mushrooms are consuming that portion of your tree. But remember, they are not edible. They are working to reduce a tree back to the soil to start the natural cycle of life.
Apple trees have had a great deal of this fungal growth this past year. Air humidity has often been higher during this past summer than in previous summers. Higher humidity tends to favour the development of the fungi. I have included some sample images of these fungal growths. Mind you, the fungi do not grow on healthy twigs, branches and trunk bark. They grow on woody matter that is dying or dead.
In a large number of yards I visit, the homeowner has asked about these mushrooms, wondering if the mushrooms are they killing the tree. As previously stated, the mushrooms are there because parts of the trees are either dying or dead. The more mushroom growth that is present on the tree, the more the tree is telling the homeowner it is dying. I see this fungal growth on many apple trees, especially this year throughout southern Manitoba. Apple trees over the past few years have been infected with diseases such as fire blight and black rot. These are deadly diseases that are either very difficult to control, or simply impossible to control.
Annual infections of these diseases gradually stress and ultimately kill susceptible parts of the trees. People simply do not realize that their trees are slowly dying and simply do nothing. It is at the advanced stages of this disease I am usually called in to diagnose what is going on with the sick tree.
Decay fungi are nature's way of recycling a dead and dying tree into organic matter that is further broken up in the soil. You may not be very assured by the appearance of mushrooms, but they are simply a small part of the life-and-death cycles that serve important functions in the complexity of life on Earth.
viburnumtrees@shaw.ca
Renovation & Design
Carefully inspect fireplace and chimney prior to first fire of the season
Question: We moved into an old home and we are excited to use the wood-burning fireplace. What do we need to do before we use it, so that we don't burn down the house? Any tips? Peter, Lorette
Answer: Before lighting your first fire, inspect the chimney exterior for broken bricks or crumbling mortar. Shine a light inside the chimney, and be on the lookout for bird nests and cracks. Check to make sure that the damper opens and closes properly. Clean the chimney and loose ashes or contact a professional for seasonal maintenance. Retailers also sell chimney sweeping logs which are designed to reduce and treat creosote buildup.
It is also important to note the wood you burn in your fireplace should be seasoned for at least one year before use. Properly seasoned wood burns hotter and creates less creosote.
Question: I have two flannel-backed vinyl tablecloths. They were obviously wrapped in tight plastic packaging for a long time, because they have a lot of deep creases. What methods would you recommend I use to remove the creases without melting the vinyl? Thank you. Joan, Winnipeg
Answer: Fill a bathtub with cool water. Soak the tablecloths in the tub for a couple of hours to drench the creases. Hang tablecloths to dry. If creases persist, cover folds with a damp tea towel and iron on low setting to remove creases.
Question: I own a suede jacket that has a big dirt mark on the sleeve because I fell on my elbow into a puddle. I also have a few scuff marks on the opposite sleeve. What should I use to clean the area? Garry, Randolph
Answer: Hope you are not hurt from the fall! Get rid of scuff marks by rubbing the marks with a pencil eraser and then wiping the nap with your nail brush. Sprinkle the suede fabric with baking soda and then brush the nap back and forth with a damp nail brush. If the suede is a synthetic fabric, you will be able to clean it with plain old water and dish soap. Rinse and let dry. P.S. Love the Neufeld Garage in Randolph, very clever!
Question: Can you please give me a simple recipe for homemade garlic butter? Thanks, Carolyn, Winnipeg
Answer: For the easiest garlic butter recipe, stir together 1 cup softened butter with 1 tablespoon garlic powder. For garlic butter with a kick try the following recipe:
Into a bowl stir together 1 cup softened butter, 1 tbsp. minced garlic, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp. Italian seasoning salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper and 1/2 tsp. paprika. Spread on bread before toasting. Store remainder in a sealed container in the fridge.
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