Hoof-shaped conks have a dull gray to dark brown upper surface, with concentric furrows parallel to the margin. The underside is light brown to brownish-gold, and velvety in texture. Identifying the Injury. The advanced stages of heart rot appear as elongated white pockets or flecks parallel to the grain and separated by apparently firm wood. Affected trees exhibit swollen knots.
Infected trees can survive indefinitely, but can be structurally unsound.
This is of particular importance in recreation areas, where large old-growth pines are common. Red heart conk. Photo by Robert L. Anderson Control. In areas of intense public use, trees of high aesthetic value can be somewhat protected by correctly pruning dead and dying branches on the main stem to minimize infection.