Question
Hi,
 I have a small dogwood and red maple in my front
yard.Both have a white/greenish fungus growing all
over especially the trunk. I also have some large
trees in the back ,maybe oak and maple that have the same thing. Other than the red maple the leaves are
very sparse,and some trees are dead. My question
is what causes this?,and if I wanted to plant new
trees such as pines would the soil need to be treated?

                          Thank-You
                          MAry Johnson


Answer
What you are describing is lichens but these will not harm the tree. Since diseases usually do not effect different species of trees at the same time sounds like you may have an evirnomental type problem--fill dirt, fill line from a septic tank, etc. I would suggest you call the local State Forestry Agency and ask one of their foresters to come out and take a look. This service is free in the U.S.