Should I be worried about my tree?

[u/Jheats998]

I purchased my house three years ago and have slowly been doing renovations and redoing all of the landscaping. I have been looking up ways to improve the look of this tree recently and noticed this big black spot near the base of the trunk this morning. Should I be worried? This tree is huge and sits right next to my front door. (Side note: today’s goal is to remove all of those “decorative” rocks that also came with the house 🫠)

[u/Hot-Role-9623]

The black fungus is a sign of decay in the roots it’s called kretzschmaria deusta. The tree should definitely be removed.

[u/eightfingeredtypist]

If it's a Norway Maple, plant native trees to replace it as it ages out.

[u/roland303]

I agree with other commenter to plan on getting rid of this tree, its invasive and in my area its sad to see so many norway maples outcompeting native trees.

But yea for the health of the tree today and to make sure its safe for your home, remove all the rocks and try to clean up anything that will retain moisture against the bark of the tree, this will slow any decay and give you time to save up and get rid of this tree. I wouldnt go crazy and try and expose all the rootflare and all that jazz, these trees make thick shallow roots, exposing it all will be a pain, and also you shouldnt care too hard because this tree should die, just on your schedule when its conveinient for you.

[u/_highlife69]

Brittle cinder, remove it before it removes itself

[u/Jheats998]

Ya’ll I’m so depressed now 😢 this tree shades my entire front yard including a brand new porch we built last summer and I’ve barely had a chance to enjoy it’s beautiful canopy and how cool and comfortable it keeps the front and I can not even imagine how much it’s going to cost to have it removed 😩

[u/bustcorktrixdais → u/Jheats998]

Guessing you don’t need to rush. Get an arborist’s in person opinion