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Lichen on Trees: What You Need to Know

Feb 12, 2025

Lichens come in different varieties and shapes. However, most property owners don’t know what these spongy badges on trees are. If you notice colorful growths on your trees, consult a professional tree care company to learn more about lichens. At Arbor & Acre, we leverage extensive expertise and knowledge to detect the type of lichen on your trees and determine whether it is harmful. The last thing you want is to ignore a minor problem, leading to further damage, infections, and premature tree removal .

What Is Lichen

Lichen often resembles and grows like plants. However, it is not a plant, but a result of a symbiotic relationship between an alga, fungus, and one other organism. Research shows that lichens cover over 6% of the earth’s surface, from frozen areas and humid forests to desert sands. In addition, lichens usually appear first after a natural disaster, as they can survive where plants can’t. If there are green, grey, or yellow substances that look like moss on your greenery, call a tree service provider in Bonaire, GA to inspect and diagnose the issue for peace of mind.

Why Does Lichen Grow on Trees?

Most people usually associate lichen with damaged, decayed, old, or dead trees. However, lichen appears on trees that are already deteriorating. If your trees are healthy and robust, it is not likely to find lichen on the bark. Also, lichen thrives in sunny and moist areas, making rainy weather ideal for growth. It is vital to note that lichen is not harmful to your trees, but indicates underlying issues that require professional expertise. Certified arborists can inspect the affected tree to determine the severity and recommend effective solutions. In case of severe deterioration or death, tree removal is necessary to maintain a safe and healthy backyard.

Does Lichen Harm the Tree?

As mentioned, lichen is not harmful to trees. It doesn’t take vital nutrients from the tree or increase susceptibility to infections. Lichen gets all its nutrients from the air and rain, allowing it to burrow into the bark for support. While these spongy, moss-like badges don’t harm trees, they indicate the need for a professional inspection to determine the underlying problem and the most effective solution.

What Are the Benefits of Lichen?

Lichen offers many advantages, including improving air quality. Amazingly, lichen absorbs different things in the environment to determine whether the air is conducive. It can convert carbon dioxide to oxygen and absorb pollutants that contaminate the air.

Another benefit of lichen is that it makes dyes for decoration, clothing, and antibiotics. Some manufacturers use it as an ingredient in toothpaste and deodorant. Lichen offers many advantages, but it is crucial to remember that it thrives on declining trees. Therefore, hiring a professional tree care company for regular inspections is crucial to address underlying issues.

Should You Remove Lichen from a Tree?

Lichen doesn’t harm trees, so there’s no reason to remove it. Also, removing lichen can damage the bark, creating entryways for infections and infestations. If you don’t like the look of lichen on your greenery, the best option is to prevent it from appearing. Ensure your trees are in tip-top shape by fertilizing, pruning, watering, and trimming regularly. Healthy and well-maintained trees are resistant to fungus and other foreign growths.

Once you notice lichen growing on your trees, it could indicate deterioration or death. Consider hiring a tree service provider to determine the cause of lichen growing on your trees and provide effective treatments to prevent recurrences. Contact us at Arbor & Acre and schedule a consultation with certified arborists to learn more about lichens and whether treatment is crucial to preserving tree health.

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