Answer: That orange growth is lichen, not a rust pathogen. Lichen do not harm the tree or shrub in any way. They tend to grow only on that outer bark and stay there, not growing deeper into live ...

Understanding the Context

The Goshen News: JEFF BURBRINK: Lichens thrive on tree bark because they love sunlight This photo shows a lichen growing on hickory tree bark. Folks sometimes become concerned when they notice strange gray-green patches on the trunk or branches of a tree. Should the growths be removed? My tree has lost all its leaves and the bark now has some fungi growing on it?

Key Insights

Is lichen killing my tree? Lichen (pronounced lie-ken) gets a bad rap based on its appearance alone. It has been on our ... I’ve seen a fungus-like growth on several trees in the neighborhood. It’s a pale gray-green color with a frilly texture, and it coats much of the bark on some trunks.

Final Thoughts

Can we do something about this ... Las Cruces Sun-News: Lichen on trees may be a sign of decline, but it’s not the lichen’s fault Lichen on trees may be a sign of decline, but it’s not the lichen’s fault The Press of Atlantic City: Lichen won't harm tree, but may be sign of problems Lichen grow harmlessly on tree trunks and no control is needed. In fact, presence of lichens on healthy trees should be welcomed as likely positive indicators of lower levels of air pollution and a ... The Morning Sun: Lichen on trees not harmful, but may indicate a problem The Baltimore Sun: Lichen won’t harm the tree but could be sign of a bigger problem It seems like the lichen on my tree exploded this year. It’s all over some branches, whereas it used to be only in random spots on the trunk. I’ve been told not to worry about your average gray-green ...

Lichen won’t harm the tree but could be sign of a bigger problem