Lichens Covering Tree?

[gmcttr]

I climbed a red oak today that had the trunk so thoroughly covered with lichens that it stood out from any other tree in the area. The coverage was from the ground to within about 25' of the top (~100' tall). It certainly had me looking it over carefully before I even shot a throw line into it. Compared to other trees, it just didn't 'look right' which led me to continually tap on the tree on the way up, listening for any dead areas of which I found none except for a couple of typical, obviously dead lower limbs.

I'm wondering if this amount of coverage indicates anything that should concern me as a recreational climber or if it is just an anomaly that means nothing. The tree seemed solid from what I could tell.

 

[guymayor]

Perhaps it supported that extent of lichen growth and stood out, because it was the only one of its species in that stand?

 

[RopeShield]

Usually means the tree is in decline or slow growth.
The lichen is not sloughed off with the growth and shedding of the bark.

 

[gmcttr]

Perhaps it supported that extent of lichen growth and stood out, because it was the only one of its species in that stand?

Several of the same species within ~150'.

 

[Kelly Taylor]

Yeah that's a lot of lichen. It shouldn't concern you beyond the fact it could make things more slippery. The lichen aren't "feeding" on the tree, only using it as a surface to grow on and sponge rainwater from. The extensive covering suggests this tree is in an advantageous micro climate for lichens to colonize. Perhaps it receives more sun than other trees in the stand, since lichen need sunlight to photosynthesize.

 

[JontreeHI]

Looking at the trees in the PNW, I would be very surprised if lichen is a sign of a tree in decline. Unless all the trees here are in decline. Incredible lichens covering everything here

 

[gmcttr]

Thanks. I've just be climbing since this spring and when something stands out like this, I want to learn what's going on. I have a LOT to learn about the peculiarities of different trees.

 

[JontreeHI]

Thanks. I've just be climbing since this spring and when something stands out like this, I want to learn what's going on. I have a LOT to learn about the peculiarities of different trees.

Me too!

 

[CutHighnLetFly]

i gotta show you the lichen out my way, its in the for of "puffs" all the way along branches. ill try to find a good one and get some pics up, kinda cool if youve never seen it.
poor air circulation plays a role in the amount we have on trees.

 

[oceans]

Looking at the trees in the PNW, I would be very surprised if lichen is a sign of a tree in decline. Unless all the trees here are in decline. Incredible lichens covering everything here

I would say slower growing trees around here (NorthEast) get all sort of lichen built up on them, and I'll agree it doesn't necessarily mean decline...maturity for sure.

I know a Hawthorn that you'd swear was dead in Winter, because it looks to be more puffy Lichen than wood, but it blooms and grows like clockwork every year...just REALLY slowly.

Gumcutter, I think that may be why the Lichen was apparent until the top of the crown, where younger, faster growing wood is located.

 

[oceans]

i gotta show you the lichen out my way, its in the for of "puffs" all the way along branches. ill try to find a good one and get some pics up, kinda cool if youve never seen it.
poor air circulation plays a role in the amount we have on trees.

Andre, I bet we could have a puffy Lichen tree photo contest!

 

[gmcttr]

This is the thread...post up the photos.

 

[Steve Connally]

The last arborist news ce article was on this topic. Good read. From what I got lichen is a complete non health issue. Totally environmental.