Content
- Algae, mosses and lichens on trees - Is the growth harmful?
- What are lichens, mosses and algae?
- weave
- Moose
- seaweed
- Does the vegetation damage the trees?
- How to remove lichen, mosses and algae?
- Tips
Lichens indicate high humidity
Algae, mosses and lichens on trees - Is the growth harmful?
Especially in late summer fall fruit trees and other woody plants whose trunk and branches are covered with yellow, green, red or gray coating. Many a gardener removes the surface because he considers it harmful and fears that the wood will be damaged. But is that true?
What are lichens, mosses and algae?
The vegetation is noticeable especially during the winter months, when the branches are free from foliage and thus bare. Primarily lichen, mosses and algae grow in damp and dark locations, which is why older trees are affected with a spreading crown and corresponding shadow.
weave
Lichen are not plants, but a symbiotic partnership of mushrooms and algae. There are an estimated 16,000 different species worldwide, all of which look very different in shape and color. However, lichens have one thing in common: they do not form roots that penetrate into the bark of the tree. Lichen feed exclusively on photosynthesis and take the necessary moisture and nutrients from the air. This makes it clear that the tree itself is not tapped. You can easily find out for yourself, because lichens only sit loosely on the surface and detach easily.
Moose
The very species-rich and species-rich mosses are usually green, brownish or greyish-colored. They are often found on the ground, in the grass, for example, but also on the bark of trees - where it is shady and humid. The moister it is, the better the sometimes very dense carpets thrive. Moss multiplies very quickly over seeds that are produced in large numbers in seed pods.
seaweed
Algae are probably only know from the sea, but in fact these plants are common on land. At the bark of trees are often green algae, which are not visible to the naked eye - but still cover the tree. Some algae, such as the genus Trentepohlia, can be recognized by the strong, flat orange or red color of the bark. Algae also feel most comfortable where it is moist and shady.
Does the vegetation damage the trees?
Basically, a vegetation with lichens, mosses or algae does not harm the trees, because the Aufsitzer feed themselves autonomously on the sunlight and the air. Increased growth, however, must be suspicious for other reasons, because it is a clear indication of a too humid location. Preference is given to the location of harmful fungi which can actually cause great damage to the tree. However, this is not the fault of the lichens, because these are just an indicator.
How to remove lichen, mosses and algae?
Basically, the vegetation does not have to be removed, only for aesthetic reasons you can resort to sponge and brush. The mechanical removal is the only meaningful, but also very expensive.
Tips
Lichens occur mainly on deciduous trees. Mainly apple trees as well as poplars and ash trees are infested. However, the symbionts basically do not stop at any tree species.