QuestionI have a small maple tree about 10 feet tall. The trunk is about 3 inches in diameter. I found it growing through my fence and transplanted it 2 years ago and now I've notice white patchy spots on the branches and trunk. The leaves are also being eaten by something. I'm afraid I'll lose the tree. Any thoughts on what I can do to save it again.
AnswerThe white patchy sounds like lichens and these are not a problem to the health of the tree. Lichens are an example of a symbiotic relationship between algae and certain fungi. They are capable of producing their own food. The algae associated with the fungus is a green or blue-green alga. There are three forms of lichens based on growth patterns. Crustose are species that are closely pressed against the surface of the limb or trunk of dead or live trees. Foliose forms are leaf like or prostrate but are also tightly attached to the tree. Fruticose forms are bush like, erect or hanging. They are most noticeable in areas that have extended periods of high humidity.
The effect of lichens on a tree are only slightly detrimental. The plants are epiphytes. That is they derive their nutrients from the air and not from the plant on which they are growing. Although they are not parasitized, literature reports suggest that lichens do have a slight negative effect. The main concern is that lichens give a tree an unkept appearance. Presence of lichens also is a good indicator of a thin tree canopy. This often leads homeowners to conclude that lichens are the cause and not the effect of thin foliage. The best control for lichens is maintain the tree in good condition. This will insure a dense canopy which will shade the limbs and reduce photosynthesis. Without photosynthesis, lichens are not able to manufacture food needed for growth and development.
There are several insects that can eat the foliage of maples I would spray the foliage with an insecticide called Orthene. This will kill any insect that feeds on the tree. Check with your local nursery for this product.
