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?

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 ...

Once upon a time, my street used to be loaded with towering, shade-providing tall trees. It was a gorgeous tree-lined street, similar to the reputable Tree City USA award-winning streets throughout ...

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 ...

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. Can we do something about this ...

I know many of us want winter to come to an end, but I would like just one more good snowstorm. I love all seasons, but I need a little more of that winter bleakness in the woods, primarily to help me ...

Q: There are greenish-gray patches all over the trees in our woods. I’ve heard people talk about lichen and moss killing trees and many of our trees do not look healthy. Do I need to be worried? - ...

The presence of lichen or moss on backyard trees can understandably be concerning at first. Lichen is a combination of algae and fungus that lives on any number of solid, undisturbed surfaces, ...

Gardeners and homeowners often contact our Horticulture Hotline at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Oriskany when they notice a grayish blue-green crusty or mossy looking growth on trees, shrubs, ...

The seasons are changing from fall to winter, and one of the major changes to the environment is that the deciduous trees have lost their leaves. Evergreen trees may still have green needles, but all ...