Question
I have an oak tree that is about 3 feet in diameter and this summer it has developed a fungus around the base (ground level on exposed roots). What should I do? FYI I am in the part of Missouri that experienced a bad ice storm last winter and the tree lost quite a few branches due to the storm.

Answer
These are decay fungi and fungicide treatment will not help. About the only thing that can be done is keep the tree healthy and it may out grow the fungi. fertilize with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good. If large branches break off that are hollow or soft inside the fungus has spread to the upper parts of the trunk and maybe in danger of falling during a wind storm. I would call the MO State Forestry agency and ask one of the Foresters to come take a look and see if he thinks this maybe a hazard tree needing replacement. This is a free service. Their number should be in your local phone book. It does not sounds like it but without seeing the extent of the damage I can not be sure.