Best Trees For Mushroom Plugs And Why

Mushroom cultivation is an age-old practice that has been around for about 2,000 years. It is a low-maintenance and low-tech method of growing mushrooms. While mushrooms are flexible organisms that can grow on a variety of trees, it is important to know which wood variety a specific mushroom thrives in for the best crop. The best logs for mushroom plugs are species-specific in most cases. Most edible mushrooms grow on deciduous hardwood trees. Soft hardwoods like poplars will colonize faster and produce mushrooms sooner but don't yield as much. In general, it is recommended to avoid softwoods like spruce, pine, and fir, and fruit trees.

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Mushroom plugs can kill trees

However, it is important to note that not all mushrooms will grow on living trees. Some mushrooms only grow on dead material, and attempting to grow them on a living tree will compromise the tree's health without producing any mushrooms. Even if the mushrooms do grow, the tree may still be killed or weakened.

If you are interested in growing mushrooms on trees, it is recommended to use cut logs or stumps, as this will not harm living trees. Additionally, some trees, such as Alder and Hazel, are more suitable for mushroom cultivation than others. It is also important to match the mushroom species to the correct log species for the best results.

In some cases, people have inoculated living trees with mushroom plugs, specifically invasive or suppressed trees, to eventually make room for new growth. For example, one person inoculated Maple trees with Lion's Mane mushrooms with no damage to the trees, and the mushrooms continued to grow. However, this is not a guaranteed outcome, and the risk of tree death is high.

Overall, while it is possible to inoculate living trees with mushroom plugs, it is generally not recommended due to the potential harm to the trees and the environment. It is essential to carefully consider the potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of the trees and surrounding areas.

Mushroom types and their preferred trees

Mushrooms are flexible organisms that can grow on a variety of trees. Most edible mushrooms grow on deciduous hardwood trees. However, each mushroom species has a preferred type of wood, and matching the mushroom to the correct log species will result in a higher or more consistent yield.

Oyster mushrooms, for example, are saprotrophs, meaning they feed on dead and decaying wood. They can be found growing on dead and decaying oak and beech trees. That said, oyster mushrooms will be more successful on poplars and aspens than oaks or maples. In addition, Italian oyster mushrooms can grow on some pine family trees, although the yield will be smaller or less frequent than on hardwoods.

Enoki mushrooms are also saprotrophic and grow in dense clusters on dead and dying hardwood trees, such as elms and willows. They can also be found on aspen, poplar, birch, persimmon, ash, mulberry, and maple trees. In Asia, their preferred host trees are Chinese hackberry and enoki trees.

Reishi mushrooms generally prefer to grow on hardwoods like oak, elm, beech, and maple. However, some species prefer conifers.

While mushrooms typically grow on dead trees, there are some parasitic mushrooms that can grow on living trees. For example, one source notes that they have successfully grown Lion's Mane mushrooms on maple trees with no damage to the trees. However, another source warns that parasitic mushrooms can kill a previously healthy tree if the spores find a spot to grow. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use cut logs and stumps for mushroom cultivation rather than living trees.

How to use mushroom plugs

Mushroom plugs, also known as "mushroom dowels" or "mycelium plugs", are used for smaller log inoculation projects and are ideal for beginners. Mushrooms are flexible organisms and can grow on a variety of trees. However, most edible mushrooms grow on deciduous hardwood trees.

To use mushroom plugs, follow these steps:

• Select the right logs: Choose logs from healthy, living trees. Mushroom species have preferences for certain types of wood. For example, Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms prefer hardwood tree species such as alder, birch, oak, maple, cottonwood, and beech.
• Prepare the logs: Harvest your logs during the fall or winter when their sugar concentration is highest. Logs should be inoculated within four weeks of cutting, and the sooner the better. Soak the logs for 12-24 hours before plugging, but allow the bark to dry before inserting the plugs.
• Drill holes: Use a drill bit with a diameter of 5/16" or 7/16" to create holes approximately one inch deep. Start drilling about one to two inches from the end of the log and space the holes about six to eight inches apart. Create rows of holes three to four inches apart, staggering them in a diamond pattern to ensure rapid fungus growth.
• Insert the plugs: Tap the mushroom plugs into the holes using a mallet or hammer. The plugs should sit just below the bark, flush with the wood, leaving space for sealing.
• Seal the holes: Melt sealing wax in a pot or crockpot and use it to cover the holes. You can also use beeswax or soy wax. Wax over the ends of the logs and any areas where the bark was damaged or branches were removed.
• Provide shade and moisture: Place the inoculated logs in a shaded area, such as the north side of your house, and ensure they remain moist. The logs will get lighter as the fungus consumes the lignin and cellulose, eventually producing mushrooms.

Note that the time it takes for mushrooms to grow varies depending on the mushroom and wood species. Oyster mushrooms on poplars may take four to six months, while Shiitake on white oak can take up to 12 months. Be patient and keep your logs hydrated to encourage mushroom growth.

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Mushroom log cultivation

Mushroom cultivation is a simple process that can be done at home with minimal equipment. It involves choosing the right type of tree, preparing the logs, and inoculating them with mushroom spawn.

Firstly, it is important to select the right tree species for your mushroom cultivation project. Mushrooms are flexible organisms that can grow on a variety of trees, but some trees are more suitable than others. Most edible mushrooms grow on deciduous hardwood trees, with oak being the most widely used variety for shiitake cultivation. Other suitable trees include birch, sweet gum, sugar maple, and beech. Poplars and other soft hardwoods will produce mushrooms faster but generally yield fewer mushrooms over a shorter period. It is recommended to avoid coniferous wood due to its high resin content, which can inhibit fungal growth, unless you are cultivating Hemlock Reishi.

Once you have selected the tree species, you need to prepare the logs. It is best to use freshly cut hardwood logs, ideally harvested while the tree is dormant and before any buds appear. Logs should be inoculated within four weeks of cutting, as fresh logs have less competition from other fungi. The size of the log is also important, as larger logs will take longer to fruit but will fruit more times.

After preparing the logs, you can purchase mushroom spawn, which is fungal tissue in a carrier medium, usually sawdust. There are two common types of spawn: plug spawn and sawdust spawn. Plug spawn is ideal for smaller projects or those who are new to log growing, as it requires less specialized equipment. Sawdust spawn colonizes about 30% faster than plugs but requires additional tools and is more suitable for larger-scale projects.

The next step is to drill holes in the logs to insert the spawn. The density, width, and depth of the holes will depend on the type of mushroom you are growing. After drilling the holes, fill them with spawn by gently hammering in your plugs or using a tool for sawdust spawn. Once plugged, seal each hole with wax.

Finally, store your inoculated logs in a shaded outdoor area and prevent them from drying out. Mushroom logs typically fruit in "flushes," so you may notice tiny mushrooms sprouting along the length of the log. These mushrooms will continue to grow until they are ready to be harvested, unless temperatures drop below freezing. With proper care, your logs can bear mushrooms for several years.

Types of wood to avoid

When choosing a tree for mushroom plugs, it is important to know which wood the variety thrives on for the best crop. While mushrooms are flexible organisms and can grow on a variety of trees, some types of wood should be avoided.

Firstly, it is generally advised to avoid softwoods such as spruce, pine, and fir trees. These trees will grow mushrooms faster and produce mushrooms earlier, but they do not yield as much. Softwoods are also more likely to yield for fewer years.

Secondly, fruit trees should be avoided. This includes trees such as apple and cherry trees.

Thirdly, while it is possible to inoculate a living tree, this is generally not recommended. Introducing mushroom plugs into a live tree will cause the plant material to break down, leading to the tree's decline and eventual death. The mushrooms may act as parasites, gradually eating the tree. Even if the mushrooms are non-parasitic, they will only grow on already-damaged spots, digesting the rotting material. Therefore, it is best to use logs or stumps that have already begun to decay.

In summary, when selecting a tree for mushroom plugs, it is important to avoid softwoods, fruit trees, and living trees. Instead, choose a hardwood tree species that is compatible with the mushroom variety you wish to grow.

Frequently asked questions