Question
I recently moved to a 30 acre parcel in the upper peninsula of Michigan.  Most of the trees are pine and fir.  We had to take down 4 dead trees last year.  All had a growth on them, resembling fungus flat on the branches, but also a spidery light green fungus growing outward. Now I have noticed that many of my trees have the same thing, and it is killing the branches.  It seems to start at the bottom of the trees and work up.  It has also spread to my apple tree and one birch.  Please help!  What is it and what can I do about it?

Answer
From what you discribe it sounds like lichens--if so these normally do not kill the tree. I would sugest that you contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resouces, Forestry Division ask one of their Foresters to come out and take a look. This is a free service in most states. Here is the web link to their contact page giving the phone #'s in the Upper Peninsula area---you will have to determine which one is closer to you. http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-30301_30505-34287--,00.html