White Pocket Rot (Piped Rot)

Oak trees develop white pocket rot in heartwood with annual conks on the upper bole near wounds. Inonotus dryophilus enters through pruning wounds and other injuries. Inspect trees for decay to assess stability. Remove affected trees to avoid property damage. Avoid wounding trees and prevent water from sprinkler irrigation contacting trunks.

Reduce moisture around affected tissue by improving drainage and air circulation. Remove rotted material cleanly and dispose of it away from the planting area. Avoid wounding healthy tissue during cleanup, as fresh wounds create new entry points. If the problem keeps returning, evaluate whether the site is too wet or poorly drained for the species you are growing.