Question
Hello....I found you through Google.  We have 13 magnificant magnolias and 4 dogwoods in our yard.  They all have some green things on their trunks....that looks like a 'splatter' of green.  I'm not sure how else to describe it.  The dogwoods seem to be sickly, flowering very little over the past few years.  The magnolias are okay, but they are very old and in need of trimming.  Any help you can give me about this green stuff, I would appreciate....we want to treat them....we love our trees!  Thanks, Jim.....Penny

Answer
What you discribe is Lichens. This is a plant that is a combination of a fungus and a algea and generally not causing problems but maybe an indication of the plant not being healthy. Here is a web link to information on lichens and their control if needed. http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0857/ANR-0857.pdf