It attacks hardwoods such as oak and chestnut, always where some fungal decay has taken or is taking place.

It is an important timber tree, valued for the resistance of its wood to fungal decay.

An unknown fungus sometimes causes severe spotted chlorosis and premature senescence of older phyllodes, while the narrow creamy yellow sapwood is susceptible to rapid fungal decay.

This week, the Autumwatch team followed Westonbirt's tree team to find out how they inspect trees for fungal decay and hazards.

There fungal decay is found, this expert should specify the cause and suggest measures for its elimination.

Other forms of fungal decay of timber in buildings are relatively unimportant because they are not able to spread to sound wood.

It naturally contains silica, which makes it resistant to fungal decay, many of the effects of water (such as rot, swelling and warping), as well as chemicals.

This type of fungal decay subsequently also became known as 'true dry rot'.

The timber is valued for its resistance to fungal decay.

The copper is the principal active ingredient, Mr. DeVenzio said, and it protects against termites and fungal decay.