ets energex supplementary report update 11-4-12 ... energex...city & guilds 1&2 (hort)...

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ETS Environmental Services Ref: Consulting Arborist Cassian Humphreys [email protected] ETS Energex Supplementary Report - Symptoms of premature decline of Grey gums on HV Spur LBH1B –

record of canker rot fungi Phellinus lamaensis - Initial field assessment 30/3/11, Report 20/9/11, Update 11/4/12

ETS Energex Supplementary Report Update

Symptoms of premature decline of Grey gums on

HV Spur LBH1B – record of canker rot fungi

Phellinus lamaensis & comparative study

with P. robustus

By Cassian Humphreys

ETS Environmental Services

11/4/12

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ETS State Manager – Gary Wedel 53 Cordwell Road, Yandina QLD 4561 – Ph 07 54547400 ETS Business Manager (Environmental) – Nick Cook, Yandina QLD 4561 – Ph 07 54547400 VTA Supervisor Will Clegg – Mobile - 0448 086 703 ABN - 77640068488

Cassian Humphreys ETS Environmental ServicesCassian Humphreys ETS Environmental ServicesCassian Humphreys ETS Environmental ServicesCassian Humphreys ETS Environmental Services Arboricultural ConsultantArboricultural ConsultantArboricultural ConsultantArboricultural Consultant

Complete Professional Indemnity & Public Liability Insurance. Corporate membership of The International Society of Arboriculture - Australian Chapter. City & Guilds 1&2 (Hort) Bicton, Nch-Hort (UK) Cannington, Nch-Hort (Arb)/Merrist Wood UK (equivalent of Cert 4Arb- AQF). Australian Diploma in Arboriculture (AQF5) Brisbane. Trainer & Assessor (AQF4) Brisbane.

11/4/12

John Bevelander

Energex

Contracts Officer Vegetation

Greenslopes Qld Phone: 3407 6658 Mobile: 0448 188 091 Fax: 3000 8888 Email: [email protected]

Table of Contents

• 1.0: Page 3 - Summary

• 2.0: Pages 3-7 - Record of decline/canker rot (P. lamaensis) in Grey gums

on LBH1B

• 2.1: Page 8 - Comparative study of P. robustus

• 2.2: Page 9 - Study of cross sections of the dissected Mt Mellum Grey

gum on LBH1B following removal

• 3.0: Page 10 – Conclusion

• 4.0: Page 11 Excerpt from the AGE10 Government House Report for

comparison

• 4.0: Page 12 - Background & Methodology for ETS ES Consultancies

For consultancy, educational service, & arboricultural operations

Email - [email protected]

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1.0 Summary – Canker rot record on HV spur LBH1B

Whilst working in the field (Lower Mt Mellum Road, Mt Mellum) on a HV spur on strip 4 (SP 10184 to P 162278) of

the Lansborough Feeder LBH1B VTA Inspector Jonathan Cowan noted a range of VTA symptoms (on a number of

trees) unusual to our general field experience of assessing suburban/rural trees on Energex HV Feeders.

The scope of this report is to record these symptoms for the purpose of the VTA program as well as make record of

the site for future monitoring. The fungi and associated symptoms on Grey gum (Eucalyptus major) observed on a

number of trees have similarities to observations made on spotted gum (C. citriodora subsp maculata) with the

presence of a Canker rot - Phellinus robustus found on the Moggill feeders in Brisbane (inspected 2007-8).

Our concern with the Lansborough gums is based on the presence of a wood decay fungus (fruiting bodies

photographed) which is causing pronounced hollowing of the trees in localised areas (typical to a canker rot as

opposed to rot causing a central column of decay). The symptoms relating to this fungus like P. robustus have the

appearance of a canker rot. The data we have recorded was achieved as a result of using VTA and sounding trees

with wood resonance hammers (Thor 10). Our concern with this particular fungus is based on the limited VTA –

limited reactivity about the pronounced hollow decay sites, experience of P. robustus is different in that

pronounced VTA symptoms tend to accompany the presence of fruiting bodies and decay cavities. Based on these

parameters we thought it prudent to record our observations.

2.0 Report – Mt Mellum Grey gums & symptoms of decline

Canker Rots are caused by fungi which create outer lesions or dead spots by repeated localised killing of the

vascular cambium and bark, eventually producing concentric lesions. Canker rots also cause internally decayed

wood, usually a white pocket rot (Modern Arboriculture - Shigo 86). At and advanced stage of age, decay and tree

decline wall thickness of functional wood is reduced often with large old fruiting bodies present (though we have

yet to find a live gum failing VTA with P. robustus, we have found two dead Ironbarks failing VTA with robustus

and a paper thin circumferential wall of outer wood – Imbil Feeder IBL2).

This report concerns a stand of trees comprising re-generating Grey gum running along the ridge line (all young

trees with average DBH’s of 45cm) and road/HV spans extending from Upper Mt Mellum road - Mt Mellum to

Whites road – Lansborough along Lower Mt Mellum Road.

Based on the predominance of Grey gum within the region and the presence of two ancient Grey Gums (DBH’s 150

& 164cm) beside Lansborough-Maleny Road (opposite junction to Old Maleny Road) we are of the opinion that

Grey gum was the predominant local forest tree in times past.

The discovery of two dead gums (amongst living Grey gums) with the unusual symptoms of large localised decay

hollows (columnar hollows on dead gums are also unusual) with almost paper thin residual wall thickness

remaining prompted closer scrutiny of the live trees.

The key symptoms observed following our assessment -

• Major decay with minimal wall thickness on two dead gums (we believe they are Grey gum) found on site -

Figs: 1&2. In our experience of sounding dead gums throughout the Energex Network this is very unusual.

• Irregular stem sizes (from .5m up to 5m from ground level) on young Grey gums throughout the spans

assessed - Figs: 3&4

• Sunken included necrotic spots on tree trunks with old bark rolled inwards (a symptom not associated with

P. robustus).

• Pronounced dieback in upper crowns of trees.

• Pronounced epicormic shoot production.

• Pronounced hollows in tree trunks from .5m up to 2m - discernible by sounding (though not necessarily by

VTA).

• Large woody hoof like fruiting bodies identified as Phellinus lamaensis (Ian Hood - An Introduction to

Fungi on wood In Qld).

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Report – Mt Mellum Grey gums & symptoms of decline continued –

Fig: 1

Figs 1 & 2 -

Major decay

with

minimal wall

thickness on

two dead

Grey gums

Irregular stem

size (from .5m

up to 5m from

ground level)

without

obvious signs

of stem

swellings or

`fat bellies’ to

quote

Mattheck-

Figs: 3 & 4

Pronounced dieback

in upper crowns of

affected trees - Figs

5 & 6

Note – no land

based activities

indicating recent

site changes where

observed around the

trees.

Pronounced

epicormic shoot

production

Hollows in tree

trunks (from .5m up

to 2m from ground

level) – assessed by

sounding with a

wood resonance

hammer – Thor 10

The Mt Mellum

Grey gums with

canker rot

symptoms are

located on a

single span

running from

SP10184 to

P162278

On Lower Mt

Mellum Road

Fig: 2 Fig: 3 Fig: 4

Fig: 5 Fig: 6

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Report – Mt Mellum Grey gums & symptoms of decline continued –

Sunken included

necrotic spots/slits

on tree trunks with

old bark rolled

inwards, akin to

inclusions. Figs 7-9

in our experience

these symptoms are

unique to this

species of fungi.

These symptoms

have not been

recorded by us in

association with P.

robustus.

Due to the VTA

on this leaning

grey gum and

potential risk to

HV we

recommended

removal, as well

as dissection of

the gum as an

opportunity to

record the level of

wood dysfunction

based on this

wood decay

fungus. This

update includes

photographs of

the stem cross

sections following

the trees removal

and dissection. Fig: 11

Fig: 8 Fig: 7

Fig: 12 Fig: 10

Fig: 9

Large woody hoof like fruiting bodies similar to Phellinus robustus, identified as Phellinus

lamaensis – Figs 10-15

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Report continued – fruiting bodies Grey Gum - Lower Mount Mellum road

Fig: 12

Fig: 14

Fig: 13

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Report continued – dissected fruiting body identified as Phellinus lamaensis

P. lamaensis Fig 138

P 312 ‘An Introduction to

Fungi on wood In Qld’

Ian Hood

Description Fig

138 – Ian Hood

‘An Introduction

to Fungi on

Wood In Qld’

Form - a medium

sized,

comparatively

thick, wide, shelf

shaped bracket,

with the base

extended a little

way down over

the wood

surface.

Texture-

Leathery woody

top smooth.

Colours -Black

above cinnamon

brown beneath

and within.

Note - Figs 10-14

- photographs

were taken just

after heavy

rainfall when

wet the fruit

body underside

appeared yellow.

Once dried as

with Figs 17-20

the fruit body

went back to

being cinnamon.

Variations - between the fruiting bodies

witnessed on LBH1B (Figs 13-20) and to

descriptions of the fungi in Hood’s book are

that the fruiting bodies when wet (rainfall)

are yellow on the underside. The fruiting

bodies we observed (*4) did not have an

extended base (as with diagram b) appearing

as with diagram (a).

Fig: 18

Fig: 17

Fig: 20

Fig: 19

Fig: 16

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2.1 Comparative study of P. robustus common to gums on the Energex network

Fungal Canker rot - Phellinus robustus

Report continued -

P. robustus Fig 133

P 302

‘An Introduction to

Fungi on wood In Qld’

Ian Hood

Fig 25 - Forestry images Phellinus robustus on Ulmus USDA & ISA http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=2252011

Fig 26 P. robustus on Forest red gum E. tereticornis

Necrotic lesions and P.

robustus fruiting body

on a dissected cavity

on samples of Forest

red gum E. tereticornis

(Figs 23/24 and 25)

P. Robustus is a

commonly occurring

fungi found on gums

throughout the

Energex network

Necrotic lesions

(red arrows) and

pockets of white

rot decay (blue

arrows)

Ulmus spp

Fig: 21 Fig: 22

Fig: 23 Fig: 24

Fig: 25 Fig: 26

In the dissected Forest

red sample of P. robustus

the mycelial mass of the

fungus appears to have

occupied the digested

wood perhaps explaining

why the decayed wood

has a cinnamon brown

colour (Fig 24)

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Two locations in the trees trunk where cross cut (1 and 2 – see Fig 29) and photographed

Location 1 comprises a log and wood tissues surrounding the fruiting body in Figs 27-28 and Location 2 comprises a log

and wood tissues surrounding the fruiting body in Figs 30-31. The wood tissues in Location 1 have an advanced white

rot wood decay are soft and punky with wood (lignin) digested, in location 2 the tissues are less degraded (more wood)

present). Fig 32 details a cross grain section where the white rot can be seen spreading longitudinally through the wood.

2.2 Study of cross sections of the dissected Mt Mellum Grey gum on LBH1B following removal

1

2

Fig: 27 Fig: 28

Fig: 29

Fig: 30

Fig: 31

Fig: 32

In both log samples strong resistance boundaries

where observed (wall 4), walls 1, 2 & 3 (the resistance

zones) in the wood vessels, wood increments & wood

rays having been occupied by the fungus.

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3.0 Conclusion

As a result of a VTA study of gums on Lower Mount Mellum road Mt Mellum, we on

the ETS Energex VTA Program have recorded and identified a form of canker rot not

previously recorded on feeders inspected by us on the Energex Network.

Like P. robustus P. lamaensis is a canker rot fungus which causes pockets of wood decay

in localised areas on the trunks of trees and is recorded occurring in S.E. QLD. Beyond

Hood’s book there is little documentation on P. lamaensis, with most detailed reference

to Phellinus on the internet relating to P. noxious.

Both canker rot fungi grow hoof type fruiting bodies and cause necrotic lesions on the

stems of living trees. In our experience of both fungi P. robustus causes flat lesions with

P. lamaensis causing inverted and sunken lesions, to date we have only observed and

recorded these fungi on Grey gum trees.

In the case of P. robustus I have not witnessed dieback or epicormic shoot production as

with the Mt Mellum trees (other factors causing this decline are of course possible,

though no obvious site symptoms where found).

Also in the case of P. robustus we have yet to come across a substantial cavity or a live

tree failure associated with this fungus. Based on this we tend to dismiss P. robustus as a

tree failure criterion.

However with the Mt Mellum site P. lamaensis on young trees with reasonable vitality

and no recent signs of site interference we have found substantial decay cavities in

association with the fungus. We need assistance from mycologists with the positive

identification of this fungus as P. lamaensis (with involvement with the Veteran Tree

Group Australia [VTGA] and the Queensland Mycological Society [QMS] this may come

soon), until then this report is our most current take on the fungus.

With network reliability in mind we recommend that trees observed with this type of

fruiting body are given closer scrutiny involving sounding (assessing wood resonance)

and if necessary aerial assessment. Also were possible further study (cross sectional

analysis) on trees exhibiting this fungus be also carried out. Relating to the Mt Mellum

dead gums and the dead Imbil Ironbarks (with minimal wall thickness) we are to also

sound test dead gums we find in the field with both fungi. Where necessary we will

recommend crown reductions to help prevent trunk failures and power outages.

Since first observing this fungus on Mt Mellum I have since seen found a Grey gum with

the same symptoms and fruiting bodies on a ridge near Mooloolah (whilst scoping

Feeder 345).

Thank you for your attention,

Best regards Cassian Humphreys.

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Government House Trees Robustus Vs Lamaensis recorded for monitoring

Located between P26997 and X653 in the grounds of Government house two Cadagi gums where observed with fungal

fruiting bodies. Closer inspection (aerial assessments) of gum 10 (ref: spread sheet) revealed a cavity and lesion almost to

the extent of the cavity (see Figs 17, 19, 21 & 23). Inspection of gum 11 revealed signs of the early formation of a cavity, this

is indicated by the presence of a lesion adjacent to the fruiting body (see Figs 18, 20, 22, 24). Based on close assessment we

believe that the fruiting body - Fig 23 (on host gum 10) is Phellinus lamaensis and Fig 24 (host gum 11) is P. robustus (ref:

ETS Energex Supplementary Report - Symptoms of premature decline of Grey gums on HV Spur LBH1B – record of canker

rot fungi Phellinus lamaensis). Based on experience to date we see P. lamaensis as a more aggressive canker rot.

Two Cadagi gums C. torelliana located in Government House

grounds with canker rots P. lamaensis and P. robustus.

Note to quote Mattheck gum 10 has generated a fat belly (stem swelling), whereas about the fruiting body/lesion on gum

11 no swelling is discernible. Based on the ETS Energex VTA Program neither of these trees require work at this time.

Note the cavity associated with gum 10 is a habitat hollow - at the time of inspection parrot activity was evident (in the

form of wound wood beak scribing and wood hollow excavation).

Fig: 17 Gum 10 Fig: 18 Gum 11

Fig: 19

Fig: 21

Fig: 20

Fig: 22

Fig: 23 Fig: 24

Excerpt from the AGE10 Report for comparison -

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4.0 Background and Methodology for ETS ES Consultancies

The systems/publications for biochemical & biomechanical appraisal (for hazard assessment, risk reduction and tree longevity) we utilise are:

- VTA (Visual Tree Assessment – Prof. Dr. Claus Mattheck 1994) based on ‘The body Language of Trees’. According to VTA the most successful tree is a tree with a chain of links (leaders, branches, trunk collars, trunk, roots etc) each matched equally to the load. VTA is a means to observe, quantify, and record biomechanical constraints and signs of optimisation in trees. Cassian Humphreys has been developing the ETS VTA Tree Assessment Program since 2005.

- QTRA (Quantified Tree Risk Assessment) applies established and accepted risk management principles to tree safety management. This system involves calculation and quantification of target, impact potential, (size) and probability of failure. Values derived from the assessment of these components are used to calculate the probability of significant harm occurring.

- An Evaluation of Hazard Trees (ISA – Matheny & Clark 1994). - Modern Arboriculture and a New Tree Biology by Dr Alex Shigo. - Plants in Action by Atwell, Kriedmann & Turnbull (Australian Botanists) - Soil Analysis an Interpretation Manual (ASPAC - The Australian Soil & Plant

Analysis Council – CSIRO publication) editors Peverill, Sparrow & Reuter. - The Soil Food Web – President and founder Dr Elaine Ingham - Practical Conservation Biology by Lindenmayer & Burgman – for sustainable

land management practice. - References to pruning are taken from the Tree Care Division Target Pruning

Manual and are based on AS 4373 – 2007. - The ETS tree care protocol is based on the ETS Tree Care Management System. - Note in the case of mature trees my VTA assessment involves aerial inspection

based on the understanding that it is not always possible to appraise mature trees from the ground.

The tools we use are: - A Lumix Panasonic with *14 zoom (10 Mega pixels) for photographic

documentation. - A diameter measuring tape which gives an average diameter based on the

circumference measurement; measurements are taken from breast height (DBH). - The Sunto Clinometer, to accurately measure tree height. - The H/D (height over diameter) measurement tool to gauge stem taper or

slenderness (Mattheck), the H/D ratio is based on the Mitchell - Formula. - The Thor 10 Sounding Hammer for assessing wood resonance. - A 5mm diameter 480mm Haglof Increment Borer for core sampling - Thermal Imaging Camera – Thermal Imaging Camera – Thermal Imaging is

currently the most effective technology to support VTA and allows assessment of functional wood present in relation to non-functional or dysfunctional wood. Particularly useful in picking up on mechanical constraint prior to it becoming visual externally. TIC technology associated with the appropriate software is the next evolutionary step in understanding and quantifying the bio-mechanical status of trees.

Where necessary we may recommend the use of such technology (TIC, Resistograph, Air spade, TTA, Ground Penetrating Radar etc) as a means to provide the highest level of service to our clients and the trees we work for.

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