Horticulture Hotline 11/29/2021
By Bill Lamson-Scribner
Bill,
On the bark of my tree, I noticed grayish growth. I can peel this growth off fairly easily. What is this growth and is it hurting my tree?
I have been asked some form of this question in Possum’s, on the radio, or in the grocery store in the last month. It sounds like you have lichens. Lichens are grayish-green organisms that are a cross between fungi and algae. They make their own food and collect their own water and minerals, so technically they do not harm the plant or tree on which they are growing. They are a sign that the tree or shrub isn’t flourishing.
Since lichens manufacture their own food through photosynthesis, they need sunlight to carry on photosynthesis. A healthy actively growing plant or tree is the best defense against lichens. If the tree or shrub has a thick canopy, the lichens will not survive since they need sunlight to manufacture their food. Culturally, the plant must be planted in an area that provides the conditions that the plant can thrive, so it produces a dense canopy that will shade out the lichens. Proper fertilization based on soil tests and proper pruning will help to keep the canopy thick. Think of trying to grow grass under the thick canopy of a tree – the grass needs sunlight for photosynthesis like the lichens and will not grow in the dense shade.
Although lichens do not hurt the plant, it could be a sign that the plant is in a very moist area or in an area that is not getting good air movement. Any area that is not ideal for plant growth can contribute to lichen growth.
Lichens thrive in these conditions which are not very favorable for plant growth. With our on-again, off-again rain, it is hard to control these moist conditions. If you have an irrigation system, be sure you are not over-watering, as this contributes to the problem. Irrigation systems are great; however, if over used can cause great problems in the landscape. Large patch fungus and lichens could be a couple of examples of over-watering issues.
The best control for lichens is cultural controls. Try to minimize the moisture in the soil and maximize air movement around the plants and trees. Pruning to increase air movement will help dry the soil. Excessive mulch whether fallen leaves, pine straw or wood mulch will keep moisture high in this area and should be limited to 2-3 inches in depth. A good fertility program derived from a soil test helps a whole bunch.
Lichens, although a bit unsightly, do not harm the plant, so if you can’t get the moisture out of the area because of large trees, it may be something you just have to live with.
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that lives in our trees. It manufactures its own food; however, it has a root-like growth that penetrates the bark and collects minerals and water from the host tree. If left to grow, it will eventually kill the host tree. Mistletoe has seeds that birds eat and spread. These seeds also get under the soft bark and germinate spreading the parasitic plant. Mistletoe can get you a kiss during the holiday season, but it can also kill a tree.
Soil Test, pots, potting soil, neem oil, horticultural oil, SUPERthrive,for Christmas Trees or winter root growth, Cotton Burr Compost, gift certificates, rodent control, roach control, large patch control, mole crickets, fire ants, moles, pruning, checking out other landscapes for ideas, inspecting trees that lose their leaves (deciduous) for anything that might need pruning, winter fertilize lawn, trees and shrubs for root growth and transplanting are a few things to keep you busy and get a jump on 2022.
Always read, understand and follow product label. The product label is a Federal Law.
Bill Lamson-Scribner can be reached during the week at Possum’s Landscape and Pest Control Supply. Possum’s has three locations 481 Long Point Rd in Mt. Pleasant (971-9601), 3325 Business Circle in North Charleston (760-2600), or 606 Dupont Rd, in Charleston (766-1511). Bring your questions to a Possum’s location, or visit us at http://www.possumsupply.com. You can also call in your questions to “ The Garden Clinic”, Saturdays from noon to 1:00, on 1250 WTMA (The Big Talker). The Horticulture Hotline is available 24 / 7 at possumsupply.com.
