Mildew (?) on pine tree - Ask Extension
We have white mildew/mold growing on the trunk of a pine tree in our backyard. It rubs off. No other trees are affected. Can you tell us what it is an...
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Mildew (?) on pine tree #244247
Asked May 14, 2015, 10:31 AM EDT
We have white mildew/mold growing on the trunk of a pine tree in our backyard. It rubs off. No other trees are affected. Can you tell us what it is and what we should do?
Ottawa County Michigan
Expert Response
Mold/fungus/lichen
Hello,
This appears to be lichen growing on your tree. Lichens are harmless and don't cause any damage to the tree. They just use it as a support to grow on. Here is some information on lichens from Rutgers University extension. - complete article at --- njaes.rutgers.edu:8080/pubs/fs1205/
"Lichens are numerous and important organisms in the natural environment that are generally beneficial in nature. The presence of lichens on healthy trees should be welcomed as likely positive indicators of lower levels of air pollution and a reasonably good quality of atmospheric conditions in the neighborhood. The homeowner with lichens residing on their damaged or diseased tree branches should concentrate upon identifying the real sources for the tree distress if any is seen. The lichens are not the cause for the condition of the stressed tree. However, lichens may co-exist on trees with other organisms that are causing disease or injury. Abundance lichen presence concentrated on damaged or dead wood may be a warning of present or impending invasive disease or decay caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses or insects and may require corrective action by homeowners or tree care professionals."
If your tree is otherwise healthy and growing then there is no need to be concerned. If there have been recent (last year or sooner) changes to the area, such as flooding of the root zone, recent construction or digging, or having had vehicles parked on the root zone, then you should have the tree evaluated by a certified arborist. You can find ones in your area at www.treesaregood.com
Thank you for using our service
Hello,
This appears to be lichen growing on your tree. Lichens are harmless and don't cause any damage to the tree. They just use it as a support to grow on. Here is some information on lichens from Rutgers University extension. - complete article at --- njaes.rutgers.edu:8080/pubs/fs1205/
"Lichens are numerous and important organisms in the natural environment that are generally beneficial in nature. The presence of lichens on healthy trees should be welcomed as likely positive indicators of lower levels of air pollution and a reasonably good quality of atmospheric conditions in the neighborhood. The homeowner with lichens residing on their damaged or diseased tree branches should concentrate upon identifying the real sources for the tree distress if any is seen. The lichens are not the cause for the condition of the stressed tree. However, lichens may co-exist on trees with other organisms that are causing disease or injury. Abundance lichen presence concentrated on damaged or dead wood may be a warning of present or impending invasive disease or decay caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses or insects and may require corrective action by homeowners or tree care professionals."
If your tree is otherwise healthy and growing then there is no need to be concerned. If there have been recent (last year or sooner) changes to the area, such as flooding of the root zone, recent construction or digging, or having had vehicles parked on the root zone, then you should have the tree evaluated by a certified arborist. You can find ones in your area at www.treesaregood.com
Thank you for using our service
