Hello,

Yes, it is black spruce - here is some information on lichens -

Key Points:

• Lichens are living organisms composed of a fungus and algae living in a symbiotic relationship. In a symbiotic relationship, two organisms function in a way that is mutually beneficial. Because the algae derive nutrients through photosynthesis, and the fungi protect the algae from drying out, lichens can live and grow in extremely barren areas.
• They grow in colonies on tree trunks, rocks, and fences, even in Antarctica.
• Lichens grow in many interesting forms. Those with a flattened and crusty appearance are called crustose lichens. Foliose lichens have raised, leaf-like lobes. Fruticose lichens have branched growths with a finger or thread-like projections.
• Colors range from gray-green to bright orange-red.
• Lichens are often blamed for killing a tree or shrub but this is not true. They do, however, grow on slow-growing and sometimes declining trees and shrubs.

Management:

• Lichens grow harmlessly on tree trunks/branches and no control is necessary.
• They are considered an indicator of good air quality. They are extremely sensitive to sulfur dioxide and are not usually found in industrial areas.
• Lichens rarely develop on rapidly growing trees, probably because the bark is shed before the lichens have time to spread.
• There may be more lichens on a mature, declining, or less vigorous tree, due to the slower growth rate. Lichens themselves do not cause the decline.

Reference this link: https://extension.umd.edu/print/8740

Other References:

Lichens: A partnership in nature that survives in diverse environments - Diane Brown, Michigan State University Extension - November 28, 2017 - One partner provides food and the other shelter and protection from UV light and predators. Together, they can exist in climates ranging from polar to tropical and even aquatic environments. Link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/lichens_a_partnership_in_nature_that_survives_in_diverse_environments

What are lichens and what are they doing on my tree? - Bert Cregg, Michigan State University Extension, Departments of Horticulture and Forestry - May 1, 2015 - Link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_are_lichens_and_what_are_they_doing_on_my_tree

Liking lichens in the landscape - Gretchen Voyle, Michigan State University Extension - December 7, 2012 - Lichens are an interesting and overlooked composite organism found on trees and rocks. Link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/liking_lichens_in_the_landscape

Hope this helps!!

William,

Yes the four (4) articles I have referenced in my last communication are telling you that the lichen on those Black Spruces will not hurt them - Lichens are often blamed for killing a tree or shrub but this is not true. They do, however, grow on slow-growing and sometimes declining trees and shrubs.

Now in regard to a fungus that is killing blue spruce - Please read the below article - in particular, the section named: What kind of diseases affect blue spruce trees?

Article: What is the spruce decline and what should you do about it? - Bert Cregg, Christine McTavish, Andrew Jarosz, Jill O'Donnell, and Dennis Fulbright Michigan State University - June 28, 2019 - Frequently asked questions about spruce decline. Click on this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_is_spruce_decline_and_what_should_you_do_about_it

Hope this helps!!