A tree with good health emits a clear, bright sound
In the quaint town of Schneverdingen, a familiar sight—oak trees—has become a source of concern. The current year, according to Matthias Reimers, head gardener of the town, has been declared a "fungal year."
Reimers has been inundated with calls from concerned citizens in the past two weeks, one such call reporting a fallen tree infested with a giant polypore, a type of fungus that causes white rot, weakening the wood's stability and strength.
The giant polypore enters the trunk through dead roots, damaging healthy ones in its path. In its early stages, the fungal infestation is difficult to detect, making it a silent threat to the town's tree population.
The vitality of Schneverdingen's red oak in the Walter-Peters Park, dedicated to the state of Bavaria, has been rated as a two. The tree, with some bare branches, has been a cause for worry, especially after a gust of wind brought down an oak tree on German Unity Day, trapping two people.
To monitor the tree population, seven gardeners from the municipal building yard keep an eye on the trees during their daily tours. Despite the search results not providing specific information about their identities, their vigilance is commendable.
The city of Schneverdingen boasts approximately 20,000 trees. Two comprehensive tree inspections per year are conducted to assess the health of the urban tree populations. Reimers performs these inspections at an appropriate distance from the trunk, ensuring a thorough examination.
The damp and warm weather this year has accelerated the growth and spread of fungi, posing a significant challenge to the town's arborists. The fungus weakens the wood's stability and strength, making trees more susceptible to falling.
Despite these challenges, Reimers remains optimistic. He encourages residents to report any suspicious trees and assures everyone that the city is taking all necessary measures to protect its tree population.
Dead wood is typical for an oak tree, but the presence of giant polypore fungus could indicate a more serious issue. As the town continues to monitor its tree population, the hope is that the giant polypore fungus will not pose a significant threat to Schneverdingen's beloved oak trees.
