First symptoms range from a slow, gradual decline to rapid death.
Slow death of the tree or shrub after the affects of infection are noticed in the aboveground parts is the most common. Dead areas are produced in the bark on the main stem and larger roots just beneath the soil surface. When the dead bark is peeled back, the white growth of the fungus over the surface of the wood constitutes a distinguishing character of this disease. The fungus occurs most frequently in woody areas or in recently cleared land. All stumps and large roots should be removed as thoroughly as possible before orchard or valuable trees are set in infested land.