Growing on trees - Ask Extension
Wondering what is growing on our trees and if it needs to be controlled. Seeing it on most trees in our yard: Eastern Redbud, Kousa dogwoods (white),...
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Growing on trees #928136
Asked April 12, 2026, 11:16 AM EDT
Wondering what is growing on our trees and if it needs to be controlled. Seeing it on most trees in our yard: Eastern Redbud, Kousa dogwoods (white), Cleveland pears, etc.
New Castle County Delaware
Expert Response
Ah you have lichen! They are a beneficial fungi — a good thing in the garden and a sign that your environment is a healthy one! I have them on most of my trees too, and also around the rock edging of my garden bed.
Our friends at Penn State wrote a fact sheet on it!
So count yourself lucky! And thank you for reaching out to us through the Ask Extension feature!
~Michele
Our friends at Penn State wrote a fact sheet on it!
So count yourself lucky! And thank you for reaching out to us through the Ask Extension feature!
~Michele
