Knowledgebase

Tree bark insects or fungus? #873760

Asked June 19, 2024, 11:19 AM EDT

Hello, I’m hoping you can help identify what the problem is with my Japanese Cherry tree. Just today I noticed white growth or bugs on the tee. The leaves and the main trunk look good. Branches are covered in white specs in some places so thick it looks fuzzy and looks like it goes all the way up on all branches. It is about 20 feet or so tall. It’s about 25 years old and a beautiful tree. The branch in the first picture has some ordinary bark so it’s something different than the others or not as bad yet.

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi,

The tree in your photo is covered with lichen.  
In Michigan, three kinds of lichens are commonly found. Lichens are not one life form, but two, living together in perfect harmony. Various forms of fungi and algae combine to create the different kinds of lichens.  Lichens do not harm your tree.  Do not try to remove the lichen from your tree, you may do more harm than good.  Scraping the lichen off will damage the tree and allow and entry point for disease and insects.

See links below for more information.

Thank you for using Ask Extension.


Do Lichens Cause Harm to Trees? (psu.edu)
Liking lichens in the landscape - MSU Extension

Pam V.
MSUE Master Gardener
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 20, 2024, 8:01 AM EDT

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