Bracket fungi can only live on already dead wood so it looks like the heartwood of the tree is rotting, unfortunately. Because the thin cambium layer beneath the bark and heartwood is the actual living part of a tree, this can continue to live and grow even if the heartwood is gone completely. Trees can struggle on for quite a long time, usually until the affected branch/trunk breaks in the wind or under it's own weight, once the strength of the heartwood has gone.
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
Thanks @BobTheGardener, I think it’s definitely a goner, I had a shuggle of the trunk and it’s rocking despite being staked properly. The healthy one is planted in a raised bed where it is clearly benefiting from better soil and drainage. This one is in the ground, in improved clay soil, but clearly not improved enough!
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
Thank you for the advice Cullen. I think I will take cuttings, just in case the worst happens sooner rather than later.
Sorry about your tree Nollie.
Thanks from me too, Bob. My lilac is still sturdy, even the affected branch and she's setting buds. Whilst this is probably the beginning of the end for her, hopefully, she'll hang on a while. I'll see how she does this Spring/Summer.
Quick question, if anyone can help. Should I continue routine care throughout the year, pruning, deadheading etc,. even with the fungi?
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Sorry about your tree Nollie.
Thanks from me too, Bob. My lilac is still sturdy, even the affected branch and she's setting buds. Whilst this is probably the beginning of the end for her, hopefully, she'll hang on a while. I'll see how she does this Spring/Summer.
Quick question, if anyone can help. Should I continue routine care throughout the year, pruning, deadheading etc,. even with the fungi?
Thanks all.