Menu
Lichens are fascinating and often misunderstood. When homeowners notice these growths on the bark of trees, it raises concerns about the health of their yard. If you notice lichens on your trees, consult a professional for pertinent information guaranteed to put your mind at ease. As a professional tree care company, the Driscoll Tree Service can help you understand what lichens are, their causes, whether they threaten trees, and if any action is needed.
Lichens are a complex symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga. This partnership creates a unique organism that can thrive in various environments, including tree bark. Lichens are diverse, coming in different shapes, colors, and sizes. Although they are not plants, they are a combination of two distinct organisms working together. The fungus provides structure and protection, while the alga conducts photosynthesis, producing food for both.
Lichens grow on trees primarily because of favorable environmental conditions. Like most fungi, they are commonly found in areas with clean air, adequate sunlight, and sufficient moisture. Tree bark provides an excellent environment for lichens to attach to and thrive on. Despite this relationship, lichens do not harm trees, so you don't have to worry about health concerns or tree removal emergencies. Instead, they show a healthy environment, as they are susceptible to air pollution and will not grow in contaminated areas.
The most common question homeowners as tree service providers is whether lichens are harmful. As mentioned, lichens do not harm the trees they grow on. They do not penetrate the bark or draw nutrients from the tree. They use the tree's surface to live without risking diseases, decay, or structural damage. Therefore, their presence should be something other than a cause for alarm and frequent maintenance calls to a local tree care company.
Now that you know about lichens, it is unnecessary to remove them. Attempting to remove lichens can increase susceptibility to diseases and pests. In addition, using chemicals to remove lichens can harm the tree and the surrounding environment. Certified arborists often recommend leaving lichens alone and appreciating their presence as a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
While lichens are not harmful, their sudden increase may sometimes show underlying issues. If a tree is already stressed because of poor health, it might become more susceptible to lichen growth, prompting a tree service call. You should monitor the overall health of your trees, looking for signs such as dead branches, leaf discoloration, or reduced growth. If any of these symptoms are present, it is advisable to consult a professional to assess the tree's condition and recommend lasting solutions like tree removal in case of severe deterioration.
Lichens on trees are a natural and often beneficial part of the environment. They are not harmful to trees, and their presence shows good air quality and a healthy ecosystem. It is advisable to focus on maintaining the overall health of your trees and enjoy the unique beauty that lichens bring to your landscape. If there are health concerns, contact the experts at the Driscoll Tree Service. Our certified can assess all the crucial aspects and tailor a solution that protects the tree without risking your landscape's wellbeing.
Why Dead Trees Should Be Removed Trees are a valuable addition to any landscape. However, dead trees pose safety hazards and should be removed before things get out of hand. Many property owners usually ignore telltale signs of deterioration until…
Read MoreFactors That Affect Tree Removal Cost Trees are valuable additions to any landscape, but sometimes you must remove them. Whether it’s a dying, dead, or potential hazards tree, you should immediately hire a professional tree care company to address the…
Read MoreIdentifying and Removing Hazardous Trees Trees add beauty to your premises and improve the overall quality of the environment. While these magnificent entities provide many benefits, detecting and addressing risks posed by hazardous trees is advisable. Whether a tree is…
Read MoreHow Can Arborists Improve Your Yard As a property owner, hiring a professional tree service provider in Buford, GA to improve your yard can add significant value to your property. A certified arborist leverages extensive knowledge and experience to inspect,…
Read MoreCustomers have every right to wonder what a job will cost them, but this involves more than a direct question. Just calling in to ask the price of a tree removal, for instance, is not going to make anyone happy.…
Read MoreWhy Regular Tree Maintenance Is Essential for a Healthy Yard It’s easy to take trees for granted. Most homeowners would never skip a doctor’s appointment or ignore their pet’s annual checkup, but routine care often slips through the cracks when…
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know About Residential Tree Clearing Trees provide a range of benefits for your property and the ecosystem. However, there are instances clearing is vital to mitigate safety hazards and costly damages in the future. Before hiring…
Read MoreShould You Remove a Tree Close to Your House? Pros, Cons, and Safe Options Trees are more than just pretty landscape features. They also provide shade that can reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and, in some cases, even “magically”…
Read MoreIt’s one of the most classic homeowner dilemmas: you plant a tree, watch it grow tall and proud for decades until, one day, you notice the driveway starting to buckle. Cracks appear and spread; the once-smooth concrete begins to lift…
Read MoreThe Importance of Mulching Newly Planted Trees Regarding landscaping and gardening, the intricacies of nurturing nature’s wonders are both an art and a science. One crucial aspect that often goes unnoticed but is paramount is mulching newly planted trees. Mulch,…
Read More