What causes rot in lime tree trunks please?

[greenelbows]

A mature lime tree has fallen down from just above ground level. On inspection the trunk was black and hollow so it was obviously rotten. Does anyone know what causes this rot please (as I have other lime trees), how it can be detected and how long would it have taken from starting to rot to falling? Months or years? Thank you.

 

[Ed Roland]

Hundreds of fungi and bacteria are responsible for rot, specifically identified through pathology.

Perhaps your tree fell due to root failure. Root rots are common in soils that are too wet.