Foray into Fungi

The Tree Team from Tree Maintenance Ltd guide us through the wonderful world of fungi: what they are, how they help, how we can help them, and what to look out for when foraging. 

Mycorrhizal Fungi: The Unsung Heroes of Trees, Gardens, and Ecosystems

You might not see it, but beneath your feet, in gardens, forests, and even city parks, there’s a whole world of activity going on. Mycorrhizal fungi, those often-forgotten organisms, are quietly supporting the health of your trees and shrubs. In fact, without them, many of the plants we love wouldn’t thrive. But their role doesn’t stop there—they’re also incredibly important for the health of the whole planet.

What Are Mycorrhizal Fungi?

In simple terms, mycorrhizal fungi are special types of fungi that form a partnership with plant roots. The word “mycorrhiza” comes from Greek, meaning “fungus root”—which gives you an idea of how closely connected they are.

These fungi come in two main types:

• Ectomycorrhizal fungi that coat the outside of roots like a glove.
• Endomycorrhizal fungi that actually get inside the root cells and set up shop there.

What’s brilliant about them is that they extend a tree’s root system by a huge amount, meaning trees can access water and nutrients from far beyond their normal reach. And in exchange for this, the fungi get sugars and other goodies that the tree makes through photosynthesis. It’s a win-win situation!

How Mycorrhizal Fungi Help Trees and Shrubs

For trees and shrubs, these fungi are more than just helpful—they’re crucial for survival, especially in nutrient-poor soils.

1. Better Nutrient Uptake: Trees often struggle to get enough phosphorus and other key nutrients. Mycorrhizal fungi act like extra root extensions, helping trees absorb these essential nutrients from the soil that would otherwise be out of reach.
2. Improved Water Absorption: These fungi also help trees deal with dry spells. By expanding the root’s surface area, they improve the tree’s ability to soak up water, making trees more drought resistant.
3. Natural Defence Against Disease: The fungi also help protect plants from soil-borne diseases. By occupying space around the roots, they prevent harmful pathogens from gaining a foothold.
4. Stronger Roots for Healthier Growth: Mycorrhizal fungi help trees and shrubs develop stronger root systems, giving them better stability and helping them grow more robustly.

Why Mycorrhizal Fungi Matter to the Entire Biosphere

Their importance goes far beyond your backyard or a single tree—they play a key role in the health of entire ecosystems and even impact the global environment.

1. Forest Ecosystems: In forests, mycorrhizal fungi connect the roots of many trees, creating what’s sometimes called the “Wood Wide Web.” Through this network, trees can share nutrients—so, for example, a large, well-established tree can “help out” a younger sapling by passing on nutrients.
2. Carbon Storage: These fungi play a big part in the carbon cycle. Trees take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and a portion of that carbon ends up being stored in the soil thanks to mycorrhizal fungi. This is a crucial process in the fight against climate change.
3. Biodiversity: Mycorrhizal fungi support a huge variety of plant species, and that diversity is essential for keeping ecosystems healthy. A richer variety of plants means better habitats for wildlife and a more balanced ecosystem overall.
4. Soil Health: These fungi also improve the structure of the soil. They help bind soil particles together, which improves water retention and stops soil erosion. Without them, soils would degrade much faster, making it harder for plants to survive.

How to Support Mycorrhizal Fungi in Your Garden

Now that we know how vital these fungi are, how can you encourage them to flourish in your garden?

1. Cut Back on Fertilisers: Using too many artificial fertilisers, especially ones high in phosphorus, can actually reduce the need for trees to form relationships with these fungi. Instead, opt for organic fertilisers or compost to keep the soil healthy and fungal networks intact.
2. Minimise Soil Disturbance: Digging up or tilling the soil too much can break up these delicate fungal networks. If possible, leave soil undisturbed to let the fungi do their thing.
3. Plant a Range of Species: Having a variety of plants encourages different types of mycorrhizal fungi to get established, making your garden healthier overall.
4. Use Mycorrhizal Inoculants: You can choose to add commercial mycorrhizal fungi when planting new trees or shrubs to give them a boost from the start. These inoculants can potentially help the plants form fungal partnerships faster (although the evidence for effectiveness in every situation is not certain). 

Mycorrhizal fungi are the hidden heroes of the plant world. They support the health and growth of trees and shrubs, while also contributing to the stability of entire ecosystems. From helping trees absorb nutrients and water to storing carbon in the soil and promoting biodiversity, their impact is enormous. And by encouraging them in your garden, you can help make sure your plants and the environment thrive.

Some common mushrooms that are Mycorrhizal fungi

1. Truffles (Tuber species), The most prized culinary mushrooms which only grow in a symbiotic relationship with trees.
2. Chanterelle, one of the most sought-after wild mushrooms due to their excellent flavour and texture. They are safe to eat and often used in gourmet dishes.
3. Boletes (Boletus species), with the most famous being the Porcini (Boletus edulis), which is highly prized for its flavour
4. Puffballs (Lycoperdon species), Puffballs are edible when they are young and white inside.
5. Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria), The classic picture book mushroom, with it’s red cap & white spots.  Not edible in as it contains psychoactive and toxic compounds.

Caution: When foraging for mushrooms, it’s crucial to accurately identify species, as many edible mushrooms have dangerous look-alikes. If you’re not 100% certain, it’s best to leave them in the ground. Some edible mushrooms require careful preparation to remove any toxic elements, so make sure you do thorough research or consult an expert before consuming wild mushrooms.

Thank you to The Tree Team at Tree Maintenance Ltd for sharing their expertise. Now is a good time to talk to them about any tree maintenance work that may be needed. They’ll be able to advise on the best approach for the health of the tree, protection of the environment and enhancement of beauty in your garden.