Lichens on Trees: Friend, Not Foe

🌿 Understanding Lichens on Trees 🌿
They're harmless — and sometimes helpful!

1. Lichens Are NOT Parasites

Lichens don’t have roots and don’t take water or nutrients from your tree.
They simply use the bark as a place to grow — like moss on a rock.

2. The Tree Was Usually in Trouble First

When a tree is covered in lichen, it might look sick or declining — but the lichen didn’t cause it.
Lichens grow best where the bark isn’t renewing quickly, making stressed trees a good host.

3. What Actually Harms the Tree?

Lichens are just the symptom, not the problem.

The real causes of tree decline are often:

• Root damage

• Soil compaction

• Drought or flooding

• Pests (like borers or scale insects)

• Fungal or bacterial infections

4. Lichens = A Sign to Investigate

Think of lichen as a clue, not a culprit.
Their presence is a helpful sign to take a closer look at the tree’s overall health.

✅ Good to Know!

Lichens do not need to be removed.
In fact, they’re often a sign of good air quality! 🌬️