Question
My mom has a big tree in the front yard with some problems. First off it has a fat, plate shaped fungus growing on the truck and at the joints of some of the big limbs. Second is more of a problem, it termites. The termites are about 2 inches deep in the tree. They are in most of the truck and in some of the big limbs. I dont want to have to cut it down till i have to. I was thinking about cuting the problems out, then powerwashing the tree. I have been told that I can spray the tree with some differet things. Like bleach, or terpintin. I not crazy about either. I havent looked yet, but I was going to check and see at homedeput or lowes. Can you help me and piont me in the right direction. Thank you!

Answer
The fungus is what we called a Shelf fungus and it is a wood rotting fungus.  Their presence is not good and indicates that the tree is going to die sometime in the future.  The termites are a secondary invader and are also not a good sign.  Do not pressure wash the tree.  You can cut off any rotting and dead limbs.  You can go to Home Depot and purchase Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insecticide.  This product is mixed with water and poured on the soil around the base of the tree.  It is taken up systemically and will kill the termites, provided the tree can still absorb the product.  The tree will most likely have to be cut down in the near future, but you can try these suggestions and see if you can keep it alive for a while longer.  I hope this helps.  Good Luck.