FAQ

I have a Black Oak with many dead branches and a hard, woody fungus around the base. Is this fungus a sign of disease, or just the tree dying? Can anything be done?

Sounds like you have an oak with a heartrot problem. The fungus you see is the mushroom typically confirming some level of heartrot. You should have an area arborist check this tree if it is close enough to a house that could be damaged if the tree fails.