How to get rid of lichen on an apple tree, the best ways to control and preventative measures

The appearance of scaly plaque on the bark of an apple tree is a problem that both beginners and experienced gardeners have to face. It is not recommended to postpone the fight against the fungus - the spread of lichen threatens the loss of the tree. Before getting rid of a lichen on an apple tree, it is recommended to understand the reasons for its appearance, methods of treatment, prevention.

What is a lichen?

Lichen is a lamellar formation resembling a bluish or yellow bloom on the bark of an apple tree. The neoplasm consists of algae and fungus that densely cover the wood. Education does not feed on the sap of the tree, but uses the trunk or branches as support. Lichen is a small rosette, but it often grows rapidly, occupying large areas.

Varieties of lichen

Several species of lichen inhabit apple trees. The most common types are:

• scale;
• lamellar;
• scaly.

Rarely, but there is also a bushy species of lichen, preferring to attack old trees.

Causes and factors provoking the appearance

There is a common misconception among gardeners that plaque appears only on old trees. This is not the case, the main reason is high humidity. Among the factors provoking the formation of lichen, they also note:

• lack of cropping;
• the harmful effects of sunlight;
• frostbite of wood.

A weak root system also increases the risk of lichen formation.

What harm do the tree

The neoplasm itself does not bear any particular danger. But if left untreated, lichen will clog the pores, preventing air from entering. Pests also settle in the plaque, causing significant harm to the tree. As a result, the yield decreases, the apple tree may die.

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General signs of defeat

Identifying lichen on a tree is not difficult. The disease has a number of symptoms:

• the appearance of green smudges, indicating high humidity;
• hard, dense growths with a bumpy surface;
• green plaque, rust and mold appear;
• dry areas on the bark.

At the last stage, the bark is covered with large formations of yellow, blue color.

When cleaning trunks and branches

Trees are processed as needed, there is no deadline. Experienced gardeners usually combine cleaning and spraying apple trees with spring or autumn pruning. Use hard scrapers for cleaning. Remove especially large formations with a garden knife.

Burn immediately after cleaning. Often insects and pest larvae hide in lichens.

What drugs are effective

How to process apple trees? Fungicide preparations are considered the most effective for lichens. For the treatment of the fungus, it is also recommended to use Fitosporin or Skor. Strictly adhere to the dosage - if exceeded, a burn is possible.

Copper sulfate

In the spring, it is recommended to spray the tree with a solution of copper sulfate (3%). In a few days, the lichens will dry out and fall, but in case of large formations, one more irrigation of the apple tree will have to be carried out.

Soda ash

For minor damage, a soda solution will help. Add 100-120 g to a bucket of water. means, rinse the affected areas.

Whitewash

Spring whitewashing regularly. In a bucket of water - 500 ml of lime, mix until smooth, cover with a thick layer.

Urea

Urea will be effective against fungus. Dissolve a matchbox of the product in a bucket of water. Carry out processing of the trunk, thick branches, trunk circle.

How to treat old apple trees?

Treat old trees comprehensively, especially if the lesion is extensive. The first step is cleaning the bark. It is better to cut off old branches and then burn them. Further processing is carried out with a solution of vitriol. The final stage is washing the affected area with a solution of soda, whitewashing.

How to get rid of a lichen a young tree

Young apple trees must be handled carefully - there is a risk of burning delicate wood. Clean carefully with a medium-hard scraper, taking care not to damage the bark. When spraying with preparations, make sure that the solution does not get on healthy tissue.

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Features of treatment in different parts of the apple tree

Depending on the area of ​​the lesion, the fight against the fungal infection should follow a certain scheme. It should be borne in mind that if lichen is found on branches or bark, it is also recommended to examine the roots and leaves.

On leaves and branches

Cleaning is not worth doing. If the tree is small, the affected leaves are best removed and burned. Treat the branches with a solution of urea, soda ash.

On the trunk

Thoroughly clean the barrel with a scraper, disinfect with vitriol (5%). Spray several times with soda solution or fungicides. Wait until dry, apply a layer of lime.

On the roots

If the lichen has settled on the roots, it will not work to remove it mechanically - you will have to carry out treatment with drugs. Water the near-trunk circle abundantly three times with an interval of 3-5 days with a fungicide or antifungal agents.

Prevention of the appearance of mosses and lichens

What to do to prevent the formation of lichen on the trunk, branches or roots of the apple tree? The only way to avoid injury is to adhere to basic preventive measures:

• regularly prune, thin out the crown;
• process in the spring with a solution of vitriol (iron or copper);
• prevent the weakening of the tree (watering, feeding);
• timely fight against diseases, pests.

It is imperative to whitewash the trees. Prevent cracking of the bark, timely cover up lesions with garden var.

A lichen that has hit an apple tree is not a reason for panic. Timely measures taken will help to effectively cope with the defeat, prevent the spread of the fungus and save the tree from death.