Inexperienced hobby gardeners in particular suddenly feel uneasy when changes are made to their plants. Often you are not sure what is normal and what you actually need to do something about. Have you noticed moss and lichens on your trees in the garden and are now worried whether this could make it sick or even affect the fruit? We would like to explain to you what moss and lichens on fruit trees are all about. In the following lines we will summarize for you whether they are a normal condition or should be combated.
What are lichens and what are you looking for on the tree?
If you have discovered black, white, greenish, brown, orange or yellow lichens on the tree, you can initially assume that this location in your garden is particularly beautiful. These plants are real connoisseurs and appreciate air that is clean, while they absolutely do not mind air pollution. But what do lichens on fruit trees actually represent? Are these parasites that are harming the plant?
No, you can rest assured. These structures are a combination of fungi and algae that simply lie on the tree surfaces and actually look quite attractive with their colors and interesting structures. However, they do not penetrate the tree in any way to feed themselves. Instead, they use the surrounding air and branches to obtain nutrients (similar to air plants). This means you don't have to worry about the intruders as long as the plant is strong and healthy.
Can you see the lichen on the apple tree? This is no surprise, as this fruit tree is particularly popular with them, as are ash and poplar trees.
Moss and lichens on fruit trees: in which cases are they harmful?
In itself, a lichen is harmless, but only if the tree is stronger. There is a risk that important parts of the plant will be overgrown by the tree lichen. This is especially true for the flower buds, which are quite sensitive and delicate. In order for even these small parts of the tree to be able to withstand the tree lichens, the plant needs strength and not just from fertilizer. Regular cuts are also important for this purpose and are the big savior in an emergencya rejuvenation cut. In this case, that doesn't mean that you have to trim the entire tree crown straight away and then go without a harvest for years. It is sufficient if you only remove those branches that are old, thick and closest to the ground. You should definitely not forget the fertilizer mentioned above afterwards.
Do you have to remove tree lichen?
Only in old specimens is it worth removing the actually harmless lichens from the fruit tree. The only reason for this is that they provide the perfect winter home for pests that will then wreak havoc next season. You also don't need a special spray against lichen, which might even spread harmful chemicals. Simply use a brush that ideally has soft bristles so as not to damage the bark of the tree. Use this brush to scrub off the lichen.
What about mosses on trees?
In principle, the same applies to moss on young and old fruit trees. Green moss on the tree does not damage the bark, but only uses it as a base. Only when the overgrown areas become very large can the risk of fungal infections increase because more moisture collects under the moss. In addition, more lush vegetation also offers a greatHideout for pests.
Under normal circumstances you do not need to remove moss from trees. However, if at some point it becomes necessary to prevent diseases from developing under the tree bark, you can do this in the same way as with lichens: by simply using a soft brush to scrub away.
Moss in the lawn is less welcome. What you can do about itfind out here.
Prevent moss and lichens on fruit trees
Mosses and lichens develop when the humidity in the environment is high. Denser shade in particular ensures that moisture dries more slowly and this results in these formations on branches and trunks. By doing theThin the tree regularly, more sun can penetrate through the crown. Ventilation also improves, especially if you also care for the surrounding trees and bushes in this way. Moss and lichens on fruit trees probably won't disappear completely, but they will at least be reduced.
Also read:Remove lichen from stones without harming the environment
