As fall settles into Kansas City, cooler temperatures and increased moisture create the perfect conditions for mushrooms and other fungi to appear around your landscape. While some fungi are harmless, others can be a sign of serious problems developing beneath the surface—especially when they show up at the base of your trees.
At Grade-A Tree Care, we see this issue often during autumn assessments. If you’ve noticed mushrooms or unusual growths around your trees, here’s what you need to know—and why now is the right time to act.
Why Are Mushrooms Growing Around My Tree?
Mushrooms and fungi grow when organic material begins to decompose. This can be totally natural—but when they’re clustered at the base of a tree, it can be a red flag. Some common causes include:
- Root decay or rot beneath the surface
- Internal structural damage to the tree
- Poor drainage or excessive moisture
- Diseases like Armillaria root rot or Ganoderma
These conditions compromise a tree’s health and stability. In some cases, the tree may look healthy above ground while significant damage is happening below.
Are All Fungi Dangerous to Trees?
Not necessarily. Some fungi break down fallen wood or mulch and do not harm living trees. However, others—especially those that grow directly from the trunk or root flare—can signal a serious issue.
Look out for:
- Mushrooms growing directly on or near the trunk
- Large, shelf-like fungi (conks or brackets)
- White or soft spots in the bark
- A foul or sour odor near the base
These symptoms often point to internal decay or root disease, and they require immediate assessment.
Why Fall Is the Right Time for an Inspection
Fall provides a clear view of your tree’s base as leaves begin to fall, and cooler temperatures allow fungi to become more visible. It’s also the ideal season to assess your trees before winter storms test their strength.
At Grade-A Tree Care, our Plant Health Care Program includes regular property inspections that help identify issues like:
- Root and trunk decay
- Fungal diseases and stress indicators
- Early-stage structural weaknesses
- Recommendations for tree treatment or safe removal
Catching problems now can prevent larger hazards during the winter, when snow and ice increase stress on weakened trees.
What You Should—and Shouldn’t—Do
Do not try to remove mushrooms or treat the area yourself, as this can disturb the tree’s root zone or mask underlying problems.
Instead:
- Take photos of what you’re seeing
- Avoid overwatering or adding mulch until assessed
- Call for a professional inspection
Our team can identify the type of fungus, evaluate the tree’s health, and recommend the next steps—whether that’s treatment, monitoring, or removal.
Let Us Help You Protect Your Trees
If you’ve noticed mushrooms or strange growths at the base of your tree this fall, don’t ignore them. The earlier an issue is diagnosed, the more options you have to protect your property.
Call 816-214-6255 or visit gradeatree.com to request your free property inspection or learn more about enrolling in our Plant Health Care Program for year-round support.
At Grade-A Tree Care, we see this issue often during autumn assessments. If you’ve noticed mushrooms or unusual growths around your trees, here’s what you need to know—and why now is the right time to act.
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