Old-Man-of-the-Woods Is Active Right Now — Here's What to Do This November

If you've noticed unusual fungal growth on or near trees in your yard this fall, you're not imagining things. Old-man-of-the-woods is entering peak activity this November, and it's currently being observed across a wide swath of the eastern United States. Understanding what this fungus is, where it shows up, and how to respond can help you protect your landscape before winter sets in.

Check our seasonal forecast for the latest updates on fungal activity in your region.

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Why November Matters for This Threat

November sits squarely within the typical activity window for old-man-of-the-woods, which generally spans February through June and again September through November. That second-half-of-year surge makes autumn — and November in particular — a critical month to pay attention.

Cooler temperatures, increased rainfall, and the accumulation of fallen leaves and decaying organic matter create conditions that many fungi find highly favorable. As trees shed their leaves and go dormant, it can also become easier to spot fungal bodies on bark, root zones, and surrounding soil that may have gone unnoticed during the fuller canopy months of summer.

Because this fungus is rated moderate severity, it warrants attention without necessarily triggering alarm. That said, "moderate" doesn't mean "ignore it" — especially as we head into winter, when unaddressed issues can carry over and complicate tree health in the coming growing season.

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What to Look For Right Now

Old-man-of-the-woods is a fungus observed in natural and landscaped settings alike. While specific foliar symptoms are not the primary concern with this organism, your job this month is to document and monitor any fungal presence on your property.

Here's what to do on your November walkthrough:

• Inspect the base of trees and surrounding soil for fungal fruiting bodies, unusual growths, or bracket-like structures on bark.
• Check fallen debris — leaves, branches, and decaying wood — which can harbor and spread fungal activity.
• Look for canopy thinning or dieback that might suggest underlying stress making trees more vulnerable.
• Photograph what you find. Good documentation helps with accurate identification. Use our diagnosis tool to get a head start on identifying what you're seeing.

If you're unsure whether what you're looking at is old-man-of-the-woods or something else, err on the side of caution and get a professional opinion. See the full details page for more identification guidance.

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Where It's Active This Month

Research-grade observations have confirmed old-man-of-the-woods activity in the following states this season:

Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

If you're in any of these states, now is the time to do a thorough inspection of your trees and landscape.

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What to Do This Month

Even with a moderate-severity fungus, proactive management in November sets you up for a healthier landscape come spring. Here are the key actions to take right now:

1. Sanitation and Pruning Remove and destroy all infected leaves, branches, and fallen debris from around affected trees. Don't compost potentially infected material — bag it and dispose of it. While you're at it, thin any dense canopy growth to improve air circulation, which discourages fungal spread. Always sterilize your pruning tools between cuts and between trees to avoid inadvertently spreading pathogens.

2. Soil and Moisture Management Fungi thrive in persistently wet conditions. November is a good time to assess drainage around your trees. Make sure water isn't pooling at root zones, avoid overwatering if you're still irrigating, and apply a layer of mulch to reduce soil splash — a common vector for fungal spread. Keep mulch pulled a few inches back from the trunk to avoid creating a moist, fungus-friendly environment right at the bark.

3. Fungicide Application (If Warranted) If you've identified active infection, a systemic or contact fungicide may be appropriate. Apply at the first confirmed sign of infection, and be prepared to repeat applications during wet weather. Always follow label rates and timing precisely — more is not better when it comes to fungicide application.

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When to Call an Arborist

Not every fungal sighting requires professional intervention, but some situations do. Consider reaching out to a certified arborist if:

• You're seeing significant dieback, structural decay, or mushroom growth near the root crown of a mature or high-value tree.
• You're unsure of your identification and want a confirmed diagnosis before treating.
• You have multiple trees showing symptoms and need a broader management plan.
• You're uncomfortable working at height for pruning or don't have access to appropriate equipment.

An ISA Certified Arborist can provide an on-site assessment, accurate diagnosis, and a treatment plan tailored to your specific trees and site conditions. Find an arborist near you through our professional directory.

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November is a short window, but it's a meaningful one. A few hours of inspection and cleanup now can make a real difference in how your trees enter — and exit — winter. Stay ahead of the season with our seasonal forecast and check back regularly as conditions evolve across your region.