Question
My flowering crab tree has almost always had been 1/2 covered with this green scale growth on the bark of the trunk and on the branches.  Doesn't seen to hurt the tree but I don't care for the appearance.  Can I get rid of it or leave it alone.  Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi,Gary                                                             How u doing? The green scale u talk about is a fungus called (Lichen)which is mold fungi that 4 the most part is harmless to the health of tree.The big thing with it its not pretty to look  at it!u can spray it with a hort oil at 3% aka dormant oil and or a fungicide spray that kills many types of fungi problems.u should find something made by ortheo Brand at your garden center.Gary like i said u can leave it n be fine.Thanks,Chad