lichen on the pine trunk

Hi all,

I need help, I have a JBP with a lot of lichen on its trunk, should I remove them? If yes how do I do without destroying the bark?
Your sugestions are highly appreciated.
Regards

Xuan

I believe a safe way to remove that is with a toothbrush and white vinegar. I've used that for cleaning trees myself and have never had a problem. However, none of the trees I did this to where pines. I'm hoping someone with pine experience weighs in on this.

Ed

I like the lichen. It bringss out the "white" in white pine. I wouldn't think it would be as dangerous as having moss growing up your trunk, but I am no expert.

David

I like to see Lichens around the base of Pines and you quite often see it arond the base of trees in Japan. There are products for removal but Pine bark is fragile so beware.

Why would you want to remove it? It is a harmless epiphyte & makes the tree look old. Nice if you get more than one color. Not the same as moss or algae.
Iris

I think you should leave it as well.

Mick

Thanks everybodý if it is not harmful, I'll leave them.

Xuan

I heard that natural listerine mixed with water and a soft toothbrush is the best for removing moss from trunks and nebari.

Is this true, or is it better to use white vinegar?

Hi Xuan,
A little lichen is not harmful, but I would brush (toothbrush and water) some off periodically. Anything that absorbs water will keep the areas moist and can potentially decay some of the bark. Soft repeated scrubbing with the tooth brush should be gentle enough not to harm the bark, but do it with caution. I have talked with various people about "lichen" and their reviews are mixed. I have an elm with lichen on its branches and I'm watching it. I have seem some other grower's bonsai covered with it and the trees looked like they were struggling. The more "stuff" you have covering a branch or trunk will certainly impede air circulation from reaching the bark; air is something our trees need.
Nice tree by the way!
Best,
Todd

Lichens are very slow growing and don't need or retain a lot of water( look at gravestones). They are also a good indication of a healthy environment.

Xuan,
Check out this link about lichens: Overall, lichens are not a problem per se, but they can interfere with gas exchange on branches.
Best,
Todd

http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0857/ANR-0857.pdf

Hello

By what i´ve read over and over, lichens are not armfull to trees and they are normally an indicator of good air quality.
But, for what i´ve seen in Portugal, there is a type of lichen more fluffy almost like a dried moss, that grows specially on Quercus Robur, Suber and Coccifera that covers the all tree eventually killing it.

But that´s a diferent kind that i´ve never seen here in Potugal.

Greetings
Mário

We have a similar kind of lichen that you describe, in Virginia, and I have seen "struggling" bonsai covered in it. As the saying goes " a little bit goes a long way ... or, less is more"
Todd

Hello

Todd - If i´m right, were talking about this lichen.

http://www.nwnature.net/lichens/images/lichen07.jpg

It´s a usual scene in Portugal to see old Oaks and Olives covered with these kind of lichen.

Greetings
Mário

Todd Ellis wrote:Xuan,
Check out this link about lichens: Overall, lichens are not a problem per se, but they can interfere with gas exchange on branches.
Best,
Todd

http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0857/ANR-0857.pdf

Thanks for the link Todd, it is very interesting.

Xuan

You are very welcome. Are you going to the Benke Auction next week? Todd

Xuan

Although you have received a lot of replies that lichen is not harmful, and I agree, I think your lichen look too heavy (thick) I would try to reduce it, maybe with a plain toothbrush and no chemicals.

Billy

Thanks again everybody for your sugestions and comments
To Todd : I promised to take a friend to Unlimited Garden (Bod and Todd's place) I think you know them.
To Billy : To thin out the lichen should I use a soft wet brush?

Xuan

I would just use an old toothbrush. Or, if you are mean the current toothbrush of someone you don't like.