Fungus at base of trees

[lindnova]

While I was out clearing a path this past weekend I noticed a fungus that is growing on the base of a few trees. It is mostly on small pin oaks and a few poples (quaking aspen). It is in an area with mostly popple, but oaks and cherry are starting to take over them.

Is this going to harm the trees? It looks like it is eating up the bark and will hurt them.

There was an oak wilt die off in this area about 15 years ago that killed all the pin oaks in this area and 500 ft to the east. there are some bur oaks that have been slowly dying in this area since then also. The pin oaks seem to be doing ok and growing back now. The die off line was severe with 100% non surviving in the radius.

 

[Raintree]

I'm thinking that may be just a Slime Mold (non-pathogenic).

 

[treeseer]

I agree; just scrape it carefully to find out its on the surface.

 

[lindnova]

Thanks for the replies!

That is good news. I am guessing the wet spring helps molds like this get going.