Tree illness - Ask Extension
Hello, We have a tree in our back yard that has multiple leaves dying and has lost branches over the past few years. We are wondering if you might kno...
Knowledgebase
Tree illness #862288
Asked March 22, 2024, 8:31 PM EDT
Hello, We have a tree in our back yard that has multiple leaves dying and has lost branches over the past few years. We are wondering if you might know what is wrong with it. There were holes in the leaves and there was a yellow mossy substance growing on it. Any info would be appreciated.
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Anita,
Thanks for reaching out and sorry to hear about damage to your tree.
A few questions to help diagnose the problem: Do you know what kind of tree this is? And can you send some photos of the yellow mossy substance you referred to as well as some pictures of the whole tree and a look at its base (to get an idea of how it's planted)? Can you give some more information regarding the branches that were lost? (i.e. - did they just break off? Were they damaged in a storm?)
At first glance, the holes in the leaves seem like they could be from insects - have you noticed any insects on the tree? If so, would you be able to grab a picture of them?
Thanks!
CSU Extension Boulder County Master Gardener
Thanks for reaching out and sorry to hear about damage to your tree.
A few questions to help diagnose the problem: Do you know what kind of tree this is? And can you send some photos of the yellow mossy substance you referred to as well as some pictures of the whole tree and a look at its base (to get an idea of how it's planted)? Can you give some more information regarding the branches that were lost? (i.e. - did they just break off? Were they damaged in a storm?)
At first glance, the holes in the leaves seem like they could be from insects - have you noticed any insects on the tree? If so, would you be able to grab a picture of them?
Thanks!
CSU Extension Boulder County Master Gardener
Hi, sorry for the late reply, I was waiting for the leaves to come out and send pictures from this year.
We are not sure what kind of tree it is.
Attached are a few pictures of the whole tree and dead branches. The branches just seen to die and it doesn't seem to be related to snow.
Hi Anita,
I can see a picture attached that seems to be of the mossy growth on the bark you mentioned. In your message you mentioned that there were also pictures of the whole tree and the dead branches but they don't seem to have come through.
To address the moss growth, based on the photos it could be a lichen growth on the bark.
Arizona State University has a nice write up about lichen that you might find helpful. Here's a link to it.
Most lichen doesn't penetrate deep enough to cause hard to trees, but you can always bring in a sample for the Diagnostician to diagnose. Samples can be brought into the office for diagnosis 8-4:30, Monday through Friday.
Would you be able to send the pictures that you mentioned that didn't come through?
Take care,
CSU Extension Boulder County Master Gardener
I can see a picture attached that seems to be of the mossy growth on the bark you mentioned. In your message you mentioned that there were also pictures of the whole tree and the dead branches but they don't seem to have come through.
To address the moss growth, based on the photos it could be a lichen growth on the bark.
Arizona State University has a nice write up about lichen that you might find helpful. Here's a link to it.
Most lichen doesn't penetrate deep enough to cause hard to trees, but you can always bring in a sample for the Diagnostician to diagnose. Samples can be brought into the office for diagnosis 8-4:30, Monday through Friday.
Would you be able to send the pictures that you mentioned that didn't come through?
Take care,
CSU Extension Boulder County Master Gardener
