Is my maple tree okay - Ask Extension
Hello. We have a a few maple trees that are getting white marks on them. Are these safe for the tree and safe to collect sap for syrup? Or do we need ...
Knowledgebase
Is my maple tree okay #878346
Asked July 22, 2024, 9:08 PM EDT
Hello. We have a a few maple trees that are getting white marks on them. Are these safe for the tree and safe to collect sap for syrup? Or do we need to treat them with something? Thank you.
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
These are most likely lichen which are not harmful to the tree. They do not have any effect on syrup because they only live on the bark surface. They are considered an indicator of clean air. See the following websites for more information.
1. https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/non-harmful-tree-conditions
2. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1205/
3. https://extension.psu.edu/do-lichens-cause-harm-to-trees/
1. https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/non-harmful-tree-conditions
2. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1205/
3. https://extension.psu.edu/do-lichens-cause-harm-to-trees/
