Wood decay fungi help recycle organic components of dead trees. One of the most important tree problems in the urban landscape is wood decay. Wood decay is the progressive deterioration of woody tissue in both living and dead trees. Of course, wood decay is essential in the recycling of organic components of dead trees. Unfortunately, wood decay in a living tree in the middle of a park is not good.
Advanced decay can result in limb or trunk breakage during adverse weather.
Figure 2 . Wood decay in silver maple. Note cylinder of decay in center of trunk is surrounded by healthy wood. Many factors are involved in the dynamic process of wood decay. Wood decay fungi must first compete with other non-decay microbes at the wound site.