No Likin’ Lichen!
Trees are the back bone of our landscapes. We plant them for many
different reasons and become concerned when they appear to decline or have
problems. Diseases or insects are the assumed culprits, but we forget that
environmental or climate factors may be the cause of the perceived threat. Many
times we want to reach for the spray bottle or a quick fix to halt what we think
is a threat to these stately members of our families.
These photos (from Jefferson County) are a good example of what lichen
can look like on woody plants.
*What you are seeing is called lichens. It is not a disease or
parasite.
*Shady, moist conditions provide the correct environment for these
organisms to grow.
*There is no need to spray or control as this is not harming the
trees.
The following is From UK's publication on molds and mildews; I have provided a
link to the publication as well.
LICHENS:
LICHENS:
Lichen is actually composed of two different organisms, an alga and a fungus,
which grow together for the mutual benefit of one another. These crusty or
leaf-like organisms may be a variety of colors, including brown, gray, green,
yellow and white. Lichens form on a variety of surfaces, such as rocks, soil,
and fallen logs, as well as on the bark of living trees. When lichens are
noticed on trees, they are often thought to be of disease organism. Lichens
frequently appear on the trunks or branches of trees that are in poor or
declining condition.
While their presence may indicate there is a problem, they
are not in themselves harmful.
