Question
Growth
I have a Miniature Green Acer shrub in my garden. I've noticed a gray/white scaly growth on the bark. It's mainly located at the top of the main trunk and it's spreading outwards onto the branches. Some of the branches where it's growing are dead. Can you help identify this growth and suggest any ways to treat it?
AnswerRita:
Thanks for the photo. As you may have heard a picture is worth a 1,000 words. These gray things are lichens. They do not cause disease. We see them often on older or declining plants. These plants are declining for another reason than these lichens. We see these curosities even on rocks, fence posts, and even on power lines. Sometimes shaded portions of trees and shrubs are more prone to these too.
Enjoy your spring.
Steve
