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Tree Conk (Fungal Fruiting Body) on Hickory: What It Means

A conk (shelf fungus) on your hickory indicates internal decay—likely a hollow trunk from a long-ago limb stub that let water in. The fungus cannot be eradicated.

Action Steps

Hire an ISA-certified arborist for a hazard assessment.
If the tree threatens structures, plan removal.
See "How To Choose an Arborist" for hiring tips.

About Gardening: Grey-White Circles on Lilac Trunk: Need Photo for Identification; Oak Tree Bark Sloughing with Gray Fungus After Drought: Hypoxylon Canker—Tree Must Be Removed; Fungus on Fig Tree Trunk: Wood Decay Warning; Mystery Blob at Mulberry Base: Fungus or Harmless Slime Mold?; Gray Fungus on Large Trees: Lichens, Not a Disease; Cottony Scale on Magnolia: Not Fungus, But Insect Infestation; Magnolia Tree Decline: White Bark Growth and Leaf Spots in Fort Worth; Tree Decay Fungus: Fruiting Body Identification; Grass Clippings and Fungus Spread: Myth vs. Reality; White Crust on Exposed Tree Roots: Benign Fungus

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