Question
We have ball moss on our oak trees and also fungus on the tree trunks. What is this fungus and how do I get rid of it?

Answer
The fungus on the bark sounds like lichens.
If you have lichen growing on the trunks or branches of your trees or shrubs, don't panic. Lichen will not actually harm your trees. That's because it takes its nourishment from the air rather than from its host. Lichens are often blamed for the decline and death of shrubs and trees because they are commonly found on dead branches and limbs. In actual fact, exposed limbs on damaged plants simply give lichens access to the sun they need for growth with little competition. There is no need to do anything, as lichen is not detrimental to the health of your plants.

If you feel you must do something and do not want the lichens on the trunk you might try this. No products are labeled for lichen control, but copper fungicides labeled for ball moss, or the home remedy of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) for ball moss control (label pending) are detrimental. In pecan orchards, the fungicides used for scab and downy spot control reduce lichen numbers due to their effects on the fungal partners in lichens. However I would leave the lichens be.