What is the green stuff growing on my trees?

1. 83

   Faith Reaperposted 7 years ago

   What is the green stuff growing on my trees?
   
   We've been having a lot of rain lately, and I just noticed the trunks of the trees in my yard have this green growing on them.  Does anyone know what it is and is it harmful to the trees?
   
   

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2. 51

   TNNurseryposted 7 years ago

   Common name Algae, lichen, moss
   Areas affected Trunks and stems of trees and shrubs
   Main causes Humid, damp, still conditions and poor plant vigour
   Timing Algae are more noticeable after wet weather; mosses and lichens are present year-round, but are more noticeable in winter.
   Tammy
   http://www.tnnursery.net

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      Faith Reaperposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, wow ...thank you, Tammy!  Yes, we've certainly have had damp weather and I just noticed this or maybe it's more now.

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3. 86

   Jackie Lynnleyposted 7 years ago

   Yeah, moss I was gonna say and I love the little pieces that fall in clusters from trees, don't you? I sometimes put them around in certain houseplants, to enjoy while they last. I just picked up some a few minutes ago!

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      Faith Reaperposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, really, Jackie!  So, it's not harmful?  LOL ...duh on my part.  Glad I asked the question, so I will learn something.

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      Bob Bambergposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      ...and you'll probably find it growing more on the north side of the tree.  I tried to answer by hitting the green "answer this question" tab but nothing happened.  I tried writing a hub a week or so ago and couldn't get that going, either.

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      Jackie Lynnleyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Sounds like me Bob, all I aim to do gives me a problem and I just throw up my hands much quicker than I used to! But good luck if it was important to you. Like sometimes I cannot even type in a message at FB, then half hour later I can!

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   4. 83

      Faith Reaperposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Bob, HP was down this afternoon, maybe why.  It took me a while to post this question, so I think they are having technical issues.

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      Jackie Lynnleyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I don't know a lot about it Theresa but I have just always loved those little clusters and they get little flower looking things on them. I have never had them hurt anything. Have tried to get moss grow in places outside like in rock with no luck....

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   6. 83

      Faith Reaperposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, really, Jackie ...I'll have to see if they get flowers on them.  Mine may be a different kind of growth though.  I will let you know : )

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   7. 87

      MizBejabbersposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Jackie, years ago someone told me that to spread moss, put some in a blender with buttermilk and pour the blended moss in the spots you want it to start. Didn't try it, so I can't guarantee it, but I'd use an old blender if I did.

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      Faith Reaperposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Wow, MizB, now that's interesting!  I'm sure Jackie will appreciate your tip.

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      Jackie Lynnleyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks MizB I will try that in summer.
      No Theresa I don't think it is a flower but is like a dot on the end and when wet especially they sparkle and so beautiful like flowers. Need to get photo of that!

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       fpherj48posted 7 years agoin reply to this

       MizB...You're like a walking encyclopedia with endless tidbits of this & that!!  You may be better than Google! 

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       Faith Reaperposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, Jackie, try to get a picture of that!  I would love to see that and I will take a closer look at the ones that fall to the ground here.

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4. 82

   Patsybellposted 7 years ago

   Lichen will grow on anything that doesn't move. Lichens are a symbiotic combination of a fungus with an algae or bacterium.
   Low oxygen levels in the soil is a common cause, (Had a lot of rain?)  It does no harm to the plants, lichens are completely self supporting organisms. That green stuff is a sign that the air surrounding the tree or shrub must be pure since lichens will not grow in areas with a smoky or polluted environment.

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      Faith Reaperposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Patsy, yes, we moved to the small rural town about 8 years ago or so, and funny when I lived in the city I never saw this one trees.  So, the air must be pure up here.  Thank you for answering.  I learned something.

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5. 80

   peachpurpleposted 7 years ago

   it should be the moss, just like the white patches on my plants too, bacterial infections.
   
   I tried scrapping them off and water with milk mix with water to give more calcium

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      Faith Reaperposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Hi peachy, thanks for the info.  Well, these are full grown trees, so not sure I could treat them all with that mixture.

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6. 59

   fpherj48posted 7 years ago

   There's our cute little Theresa!  I've missed you while you were off being Wife of the Year!~~~taking good care of your beloved as he healed.  What a lucky guy!  LOL,   Yes, we wives do those nice things for our precious loved ones.  I ask you, where would our hubbies and kids be if not for us?
   Well, I know that sounds kinda boasty...but it's true and I think we should tell them every day~~~every hour~~~until it's etched in their minds like concrete!!   LOL   Hope you're back now Theresa! 
   I am the ultimate WRONG person to answer green thumb questions!  Every plant I've ever had seems to wilt and wither away if I even look at it!  Trees are way outta my grasp!

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      Faith Reaperposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Darling, Paula!  What a sweet welcome back comment from you here.  My hubby did me proud because he's been telling everyone how wonderful I was while he was healing LOL.  I have missed everyone here and I do hope to get back to writing.  Hugs

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      fpherj48posted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Awww...how sweet. UR hubby appreciates his precious wife. You R blessings to each other.  I'm glad he's better. You're a special Caregiver! I took care of my hubby after his hip surgery.  Men are spoiled, Theresa!!  But worth it! LOL Glad UR back!

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      Faith Reaperposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Paula ...yes, men are spoiled indeed.  LOL yes, I've come back in a grand manner with the green fungus on my trees hahaha ...

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7. 58

   ewlarson546posted 7 years ago

   Looks like a moss or lichen of some sort. Send me some more pictures at ewlarson546@yahoo.com. So that I can take a closer look. Thanks for contacting me.

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      ewlarson546posted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Like your answer Demas. Although I hope that the source of the question would know what a leaf would look like. Lichens are a good to have growing on your trees, but you won't find them normally in most cities or suburbs.

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   2. 83

      Faith Reaperposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Hahaha ...you guys are too funny! Yes, the green growing on the trunks ...It's winter so no leaves yet except for the evergreens.

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      ewlarson546posted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Dear Faith I'm glad you got a laugh. Is the green stuff fuzzy? Could you please take a close-up of the stuff we are looking at wit your cell and text me at 4199087044? So that I can have a closer look.

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   4. 83

      Faith Reaperposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Well, I didn't get close enough to know if it is fuzzy.  You can click on my photo and enlarge it on your tablet. I think it is lichens. I live in a rural small town.

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   Perspycaciousposted 7 years ago

   I understand the wisdom of everyone else's answers, but I couldn't resist mentioning the first thing that came to my mind:  leaves.  ; - )

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   1. 83

      Faith Reaperposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Hahaha ...Yes, I guess I should have specified ...growing on the trunks of trees!

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