I have a killer fungus that has now destroyed about five of my previous 18 Photinias. I am a complete novice where this kind of thing is concerned, so if any of your geniuses out there can help me I will be eternally greatful! It is orange and runs more or less around the base of the trunk. You can see part of it in the picture I have attached, but some of what looks like dark soil is actually the fungus as well. It looks like dry rot, but can that happen in a living tree? In the picture, the fungus looks to be on a dead stump, but that is only because I cut the dead limbs off. This was previoulsy a full bush/ tree. The tree was healthy one day and about two weeks later, half of it was dead. The same thing happened to about five other trees in my yard, about 30' away.
Scary situation! Perhaps these links might be of help: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/photinia.html http://en.allexperts.com/q/Shrubs-735/Saving-photinia-red-tips.htm
I see a hole at the soil line so you probably have borers, though they may be a secondary invader. Being members of the Rose family they're prone to many of the same maladies. Most people don't wish to deal with the upkeep necessary in a harsh climate like Texas' and choose to just eliminate them. Plant an alternative shrub for a more trouble free landscape. http://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=3710
