Black fungus/mould (forum)

Susan starts with ...
I have a fur tree (i think) that has lost 95% of its leaves and has a black mould/fungus on much of the trunk and some branches. I know it is sick because there is a healthy version of the tree 10 metres away which is full and lush. The sick tree also has many ants running up and down the trunk. Is this poor tree treatable???

Time: 19th September 2010 1:56pm

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Original Post was last edited: 19th September 2010 1:57pm
About the Author Susan
Eltham
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Wayne says...
Could it have white ants - borers in the trunk Susan?

Time: 19th September 2010 2:29pm

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Susan says...
Hi Wayne, I haven't noticed any white ants. The ants I have seen are normal looking black/brown. What do I look for if its white ants? I will take a look once this rain stops. Cheers!

Time: 19th September 2010 5:35pm

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Itdepends says...
It'll be sooty mould associated with a woolly aphid or scale infestation.

The scale secretes a sugar that the ants harvest and they help spread the sooty mould around.

Use some ant dust to kill the ants and a white oil to kill the scale. You should be able to see black/red hard scale (lumps) on the branches/under the leaves. If it's woolly aphid- they'll be like little cotton tufts instead. White oil will kill both types- but you need to get good coverage. Especially under the leaves.

Cheers,

Daniel

Time: 19th September 2010 7:26pm

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Susan says...
Hi Daniel, Thanks for your feedback. I can only reach a third of the way up the tree to spray white oil. It is my understanding all of the infested tree needs spraying. Will I need to chop the top off the tree in order to kill all the scale?

Regards, Susan.

Time: 19th September 2010 9:22pm

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amanda says...
Hi Susan - good point! How tall is the tree? I often wonder how folk spray a tall tree too?

If u have good water pressure you could try using one of those containers that click onto your hose? That could shoot a remedy up a fair way, and a ladder!? :)

Time: 20th September 2010 9:23am

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About the Author amanda19
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Wayne says...
You won't see white ants Susan, they will be inside the trunk at the base of the tree. It would need someone who is experienced to find them

Time: 20th September 2010 12:10pm

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Susan says...
Hi Amanda, The tree is at a guess around 20 or 30 foot tall. I am on tank water so no good pressure. Does anyone have any ideas? I am guessing I will need to lop the top two thirds off. Such a shame....

Time: 20th September 2010 8:22pm

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About the Author Susan
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Itdepends says...
What sort of tree is it Susan?

Did you see any sign of woolly aphid or scale (you really want to be able to identify something first- so that we know we're treating the right pest or disease).

Cheers,

Daniel

Time: 20th September 2010 8:45pm

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Susan says...
I didn't see any sign of woolly aphid or scale but there aren't many leaves left on the tree to inspect. Does anyone know if the black fungus/mould on the leaves and trunk goes away on its own once I have sprayed the white oil?

Time: 24th September 2010 12:56pm

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