Green disease on tree and shrubs?

Question

There are green spots/stains on the branches of a tree and various shrubs. I don't know what kind of plants they are, but I have at least 4 different kinds of bushes. they are all planted close together. The green is moss colored and is splotchy and pretty flat. It looks kind of like the mold that forms on bread.

Answer 1

Maybe that's exactly what it is - mold - or fungus. It may occur when the humidity is high and air circulation and light are lacking. There are chemicals, perhaps, that can be sprayed on it - but, I'd just let it go - or try brushing it off (the rinse the branches off).

?

You should call your County Co-operative Extention Service* and describe it to them. The should have Master Gardeners to answer questions... *Usually listed under Agriculture in the phone book or on the county's website.

Answer 2

It sounds like Lichen. Lichen is usually harmless.

From: http://www.aces.edu/department/ipm/lichens.htm
"Lichens, generally, are not considered plant pathogens. Only a few cases of parasitic activity by lichens have been reported. The fungal partner of one lichen was suspected of killing twigs and small branches of elm by infecting the cork cambium, which is found just below the bark. This suspected pathogenic activity was never proven. Lichenized forms (Strigula spp.) of the green alga Cephaleuros are plant pathogens. Strigula is the causal agent of algal leaf spot of camellia, southern magnolia, and other shrubs and trees in the Deep South. Although southern magnolia and camellia are most common hosts, this disease has also been reported on honey suckle, live oak, mahonia, maple, privet, sumac, sweet gum, and wax myrtle. On leaves of southern magnolia, the lichen Strigula appears as numerous small grey-white crusty spots. Spotting of the leaves may be unsightly, but this disease is not a threat to tree health. Lichens can cause other plant problems. Folicose and fruiticose
lichens on leaves may shade foliage, but shading may slow as the host plant grows. A thick covering of lichens on a twig or branch may interfere with gas exchange of host tissues, causing their further decline or death."

Anthony R. Brach, Ph.D.

Answer 3

i think ur beautiful.