Apple tree bark fungus

[Bizzaro]

Looking to ID this fungus and suggested treatment. This is on an Apple tree. Neophyte here. Tried a couple of searches and came up nil. Any help appreciated!d

 

[Bizzaro]

Ok. Found what I suspected. Lichens. By itself not an issue. But it can indicate underlying problems. So do I just leave it alone and watch the tree for other tell tale signs of disease? Wash it off? With what.

 

[Mad Professor]

Copper sprays will kill the fungus. Lichen is a symbiotic combination of fungus and algae

 

[ATH]

There is NO reason to try to treat a lichen. On the contrary, they should be left as they are ecologically beneficial.

As far as representing underlying issues:. Lichens grow more aggressively with more sunlight. A declining tree allows more light through to the bark as there are fewer branches with leaves for share. The lichen is simply taking advantage of the extra light.

Treating a lichen might be compatible to wiping blood off of the floor as an attempt to treat your cut.

Not enough here to speculate what else may be going on with the tree...