Glossary term
What is Conk?
Short answer
A conk is the hard, shelf-like body of a wood-decay fungus that grows on a trunk, branch or stump.
Conk, explained for tree service owners
A conk, also called a bracket or shelf fungus, is the fruiting body of a fungus that rots wood. It often sticks out from the trunk, a root or a stump like a small shelf. A conk usually means decay is going on inside, though the amount of rot can be hard to tell from the outside. For a tree service owner, a conk on a trunk is a flag to look closer. It does not always mean the tree must come down, but it is a good reason to suggest a full risk check by a qualified arborist. Take clear photos, note where it sits on the tree and tell the homeowner what you saw.
Related terms
- Arborist
Arborist is a trained tree care professional who plans and performs work on trees, including pruning, removal, tree health care and…
- Cavity
A cavity is a hollow in a trunk or limb where wood has rotted away or been damaged.
- Included bark
Included bark is bark that gets trapped between two stems or branches growing close together, forming a weak joint.
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