You may become concerned about your tree’s health when you notice something growing on the trunk, branches, or limbs. Although the matter could be a severe disease that requires immediate attention, it could also be harmless and natural. The best solution is to seek professional help from certified arborists because they have the knowledge, skills, and training to identify and treat tree conditions. Our ISA-certified arborists in the Tri-Cities area at Promier Tree share on the blog today some information that will help demystify that stuff growing on your trees.
What are lichens?
Lichens are two different organisms: a fungus and an alga. Both microorganisms live together in a mutually beneficial partnership. Lichens can grow on rough surfaces, which enables them to attach themselves to trees. Because lichens extract moisture from the surrounding air, they thrive best in damp and humid environments. These creatures “switch on” after prolonged periods of rainfall and can become very active and prolific during such times. Conversely, lichens “switch off” or become dormant and brittle when the weather is arid for an extended period.
Our Bristol ISA-certified arborists explain that, fortunately, they are utterly harmless to the bushes and trees to which they attach themselves. If you try to remove lichens on your trees by power washing, brushing, or any other method, you will do far more harm to the tree than the lichens. On the other hand, it’s a positive sign if your landscape is covered with lichens since these organisms are pretty effective at cleaning the air from a wide variety of contaminants. They also filter the air in much the same way as a marsh or retention basin when filtering water.
What’s the deal with moss?
Even though moss sometimes grows beside lichens, the two share no connection. Moss, much like lichens, doesn’t harm the trees it grows on. Our ISA-certified arborists in Johnson City explain that moss is a kind of plant that, like lichens, prefers to flourish in moist, shaded environments. Tree trunks provide perfect growth conditions by casting shade and supplying moisture that seeps down the trunk during precipitation. Also, moss doesn’t destroy turf grass. Instead, moss’s presence signals that an area receives too much shade for turf grass to establish itself. Also, the grass is not being “suffocated” by the moss either. Instead, the moss is reclaiming territory that the grass has abandoned because of insufficient sunlight.
ISA-Certified Arborists in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee
Examining your trees may uncover some substances growing on them. While many substances are harmless and don’t impact tree health, others may indicate a disease or other adverse health condition. So, when you notice a questionable substance growing on your trees, please opt for a health evaluation from the Kingsport ISA-certified arborists at Promier Tree. Our arborists can visit your property, provide their professional opinion on your tree’s health status, and supply solutions for treatment if necessary. Please call our office at (423) 765-2626 or contact us online to submit a question or request an appointment.