Annosum Root Rot - Impact

Infected trees will have reduced height, shoot and diameter growth and thin foliage. These symptoms typically appear 2-3 years after a thinning. As decay advances through the root system and into the lower stem, the tree will become more susceptible to wind throw and eventually die. Red, jack and white pine seedlings and saplings in close proximity to infected overstory may also become infected. The number of infection centers in a stand can vary widely. Infection centers create gaps in the forest canopy where brush and early successional trees can regenerate.

Both Annosum root rot and red pine pocket mortality can occur in the same stand and even within the same pocket.