Question
We have a large Bradford pear tree in our front yard. Over the past two weeks we have had around 13 inches on rain and today I noticed a whitish/gray like fungus on a lot of the roots of the tree and on the bottom of the trunk and up the trunk approximately 12 inches.It is like this just appeared overnight. What do you think this is and what do I do about it?

Answer
Hopefully the fungus is not one of the wood rotting fungi or even the oak root rot fungus, which would not be a good sign.  If there is mulch around the tree itis likely that the fungus is saprophytic or not harmful to your tree.  I would keep a watch on the fungus and the tree.  If you begin to notice a wilt or yellow leaves, please respond back and we will do something at that point.  Right now, I would just sit back and watch the tree with a keen eye.  Good Luck.