Dead Man's Fingers fungus

I recently discovered an unusual growth at the base of one of my flowering pear trees. However, I did not recognize this as a signal that I may soon lose my pear tree. Leaves emerged on the pear tree this spring, but not the healthy, dark shiny green ones that I usually see. The small, stunted leaves made me wonder if it was due to weather conditions, or some other reason. I removed the growth, and disposed of it in the trash, hoping that was the end of the problem. True to its name, Dead Man's Fingers fungus resembles creepy "fingers" growing upward, usually in clusters. The color can range from whitish, to gray, to black, having a charcoal like appearance, depending on the stage of growth. The fungus can resemble long, thin, upward sticks, curved "fingers," club-like growth, or stubby "toes." Three to six "fingers" are sometimes joined together at the base, and grow 1-4" high. The center of the fingers are white, and contain "bubbles" of spores, which exit the structure through a small hole at the top (purduelandscapereport.com). These finger-shaped mushroom structures are the fruiting (reproductive) bodies of the fungus, and are found around the base of decaying or dead trees, or on surface roots. Older wood structures, mulch, and woodpiles in contact with the soil are also host locations for this fungus. Xylaria polymorpha (Dead Man's Fingers) is a saprotrophic fungus, meaning it survives by growing on dead or dying wood. It cannot make food on its own. The fungus utilizes enzymes to decompose and recycle dead plant material, then absorbs the nutrients through its cell walls. This decomposing action is important for recycling important nutrients like carbon and nitrogen, and in reducing overall buildup of dead plant material (fungimap.org.au). In the genus Xylaria, some species of fungus produce dead man's fingers fungus, and some species produce black root rot. Hyphae, or threadlike structures, are produced by the fungus, and grow throughout decaying wood. By the time Dead Man's Fingers fungus is visible at the base of a tree, the damage is well-established. Slow growth, dieback, basal canker, and general decline in health are symptoms of a tree with the fungus. Dead Man's Fingers fungus does not cause a healthy tree to die; it is a weak pathogen which decomposes a tree that is already stressed and dying or dead (davey.com). Apple, beech, cherry, elm, locust, maple, and pear trees, as well as ornamental bushes and trees are susceptible, and are host plants for the Xylaria polymorpha fungus (hort.extension.wisc.edu). There is no solution for completely eliminating the fungus; no fungicide specifically treating Xylaria polymorpha is available. The fingers can be removed by hand, however the fungus has toxins, so it should not be consumed. The fingers should be put in a sealed plastic bag and disposed of in the trash. Hand removal helps prevent the spread of spores. If the fungus is found in mulch, removal of the mulch is necessary; do not use the mulch around any other plants. If the fungus is growing at the base of the tree or on the roots, rot may cause the tree to break at the base and fall. Removal of the tree and as much of the stump and roots is essential. Avoid planting any susceptible trees in the same location. Clean all tools used in the removal to prevent spreading the spores. Keep susceptible trees in other locations healthy and reduce stresses by maintaining trees with mulch, water, and fertilizer. Presently, no trees resistant to Xylaria fungus are available. With healthy practices, we may be able to "scare" away Dead Man's Finger fungus from our landscapes.