How to Treat Fungus and Algae Growth on Trees

Following extended periods of rain, it is common to find strange, blob-like growths on your tree bark. These growths can develop overnight, and appear in an array of colors and textures; most often, furry and filmy, in colors like greens, whites, or yellows. So what are these odd globules on your beloved landscaping trees?

Well, they are called tree lichens, and they are basically harmless to the tree and surrounding environment, however, they are generally deemed unattractive, which is why you may be interested in removing and preventing them from coming back. Continue reading to learn more about tree lichens, including causes, treatments, and prevention strategies.

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518

Tree Lichens

Tree lichens are unique because they are actually two organisms in one: fungus and algae. These two organisms form a symbiotic, or mutually-beneficial, relationship. The fungus collects moisture, which the algae needs to survive, while the algae uses photosynthesis to convert the sun’s energy into food, which the fungus need to survive. Why are they harmless? Because their rhizines, which are similar to roots, are not capable of penetrating the bark deep enough to disrupt the tree’s health.

How to Remove It

To get rid of tree lichens, you will need a soft bristled brush, mild dish soap, clean water, and gloves. Use gentle pressure to scrub the lichens off of the bark, first dipping the brush into your batch of clean water and mild dish soap. Allow the bark to dry completely. You may also have your trees sprayed with a copper-sulfate solution or a lime sulfur solution. However, these methods only destroy fungus, so they should only be applied in late spring when weather is warmer.

How to Prevent It

The best method for preventing tree lichens is to implement environmental modifications that make your trees a less suitable target for fungus and algae growth. Tree lichens growth in cool, moist settings; so change these conditions and tree lichens will be a thing of the past. Furthermore, you can thin the canopy of your trees to incorporation more sunlight. Also, if you have an automated sprinkler system, be sure that it is not reaching your tree bark.

Indianapolis Tree Service You Can Trust

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for experienced tree service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, stump removal, lot clearing, and more. If you want professional and efficient service you can trust, Complete Tree Care is the right call!

Can I Replant a Fallen Tree?

Tree roots are more than meets the eye. You see, the root system of a tree expands broadly within the ground space below its mound. This is referred to as a trees “critical root zone”, and can span as wide as 10 feet or more around the circumference of the tree. However, regardless of how extensive they spread out, tree roots do not grow very deep into the ground, which means that trees are susceptible to being easily uprooted by severe storms and heavy winds.

When a tree is displaced from the ground, several, if not all roots, are broken in half, rendering them tremendously weak and damaged. Not only does this circumstance put the roots under serious stress, the crown and trunk are also affected. Furthermore, when exposed outside of the soil, they are all prone to serious damages that can ultimately kill the tree.

So what does this mean for you? Well, if you have a tree that has been uprooted from the ground, continue reading to learn if it can be saved or not, and if so, where to begin.

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518

Facts About Uprooted Trees

In many cases, an uprooted tree does not survive. This is because the root system is too damaged to fully recover. This is especially true for large or mature trees. But sometimes, a tree can be saved by replanting it, but only under certain circumstances. And even if the tree can be revived by putting it back into the ground, it could experience problems such as transplant shock. This is why post-replanting care is so vital for the survival of a tree that has been uprooted by inclement weather.

Large Tree Uprooting

Large trees are not common survivors of uprooting. Their root systems are extensive and mature, which provides the tree with water and nutrients. When massive severing occurs, they are not strong enough to supply the tree with adequate amounts of food and water, causing the tree to die. But also, replanting a large tree is not easy to do since their extensive root systems also anchor the tree down, providing stability. Once the roots are severed, this stability is difficult to recreate. It is also challenging to get a large tree to stand straight to begin with.

Small Tree Uprooting

Smaller trees have a higher chance at survival because their roots systems are not as extensive. A large portion of their root system stays intact after being uprooted, and the smaller size reduces the amount of exterior damage to the trunk and branches caused by the actual fall. When uprooted, they suffer the same amount of stress as large trees, but can then be replanted in most cases. It requires professional tree service to replant uprooted trees properly. This is because they have the tools, training, and knowledge to complete the job safely and in a convenient time frame.

How to Care for an Uprooted Tree

Once a tree has been replanted, the after-care portion is critical to its survival. This includes regular tree pruning, sufficient watering, and adding fertilizer after one year of new-growth. Trust your local tree care technician for professional tree service so that your replanted trees do not suffer from transplant shock or any other issues.

Licensed Tree Service Near You

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We are highly trained and experienced tree care technicians that offer commercial and residential tree services at affordable prices. As professional tree specialists, we know precisely how to manage each and every tree service job requested of us. We only use quality equipment to carry out our tree care services and never neglect safety. And if you have a tree emergency after regular business hours, we offer two separate after-hours phone lines!

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518