We have some fungus at the base of an oak tree next to Lake Gaston in North Carolina. We're wondering if someone can help diagnose it. Is it too far gone? What's the best way to find a local tree specialist? We'd really like to save it, and I'm concerned that if I call the wrong person, they might be too quick to just say cut it down.

Thanks.

Is it all external as it appears? If so it has probably done no harm.

The International Society of Arboriculture has a search function for finding a local arborist:

http://www.isa-arbor.com/finda...

It is external, but from what I read this can be indicative of root rot that may have been going on inside the tree for a while.

Thanks for the International Society of Arboriculture link.

Possibly a type of oak bracket which would appear due to heartwood rot. It won't affect the living parts of the tree but you may want have the tree assessed.

I love fungi - all part of the cycle of life.