What's the stuff growing on my tree branches? Should I remove it from my tree or shrub? You probably have lichen growing on your tree or shrub.
There are thousands of different kinds of lichens that grow all over the planet and in all sorts of climates. Lichens are a combination of organisms working together to survive in a mutualistic relationship. If you see lichen in a landscape, there is no need to remove it. Lichens are non-parasitic organisms. Although they sometimes proliferate on stressed plants, they are harmless.
If a tree or shrub has an abundance of lichens, ask an arborist to inspect the plant. While the lichen aren't harmful, their presence could indicate another problem such as a declining canopy that is causing excessive sunlight to hit the branches.
For more information on tree services and tree care, visit www.bartlett.com
