How to get rid of lichen on an apple tree and prevent it

Lichens that appear on the bark are a symbiotic combination of algae and fungi that damage the tree. How to get rid of lichen on an apple tree is a problem that most gardeners face, since the presence of parasitic organisms on a fruit tree slows down its growth, reduces yields, and can even lead to drying out of branches.

What is lichen and why does it appear

Lichens are classified as mushrooms. Their existence takes place on the basis of photosynthesis, and their lifespan can be decades and even centuries. Rootless lichens all the substances necessary for development are obtained from dust and rainwater deposited on them.

Parasitic microorganisms can appear on trees of any age, but more often - on older ones, whose bark growth is slowed down.

The risk group includes those apple trees whose resistance to external influences is reduced due to the following factors:

• cracking of the bark;
• freezing of the trunk in winter;
• sunburn;
• violation of the root system;
• thickening of the crown.

All these factors contribute to poor ventilation and, as a result, the appearance of lichen on the apple tree. In this regard, the renewal of the tree bark slows down, and favorable conditions are created for the destruction of the entire tree by parasitic organisms.

The lichen does not feed directly on the juices of the apple tree itself, but its presence on the trunk harms the plant:

• 1. Creates an environment suitable for tree pests.
  2. Closes the respiratory pores of the cortex.

There are several types of lichens with a wide variety of colors, from gray silvery to blue and golden. The coloring depends on the algae that predominates in the lichen symbiosis.

The high adaptability of lichens allows them to survive even under the most unfavorable conditions - drought, high temperatures.

How to get rid of lichen on an apple tree with a severe damage to the tree

In the event that the lichen has already captured the tree, you will have to act radically - mechanically eliminating the parasitic colony. For this, a special scraper is prepared. It should be made of wood, not metal. So the bark of the apple tree will be less injured.

How and when is the best way to get rid of lichen on an apple tree? The optimal time for treatment is spring, before the buds appear. At this time of the year, there is a lot of moisture in the tree, the moss acquires moisture, which makes it easier to remove.

Necessary accessories:

• wooden scraper;
• a piece of tarpaulin;
• ladder;
• copper sulfate 3%;
• urea solution;
• water;
• bucket.

Spring work order:

1. Spread a tarp or polyethylene film under the tree so that later it is convenient to collect the peeled lichen.
2. Acting with a scraper, the lichen is cleaned off the spread tarpaulin together with the tree pests that inhabit it. It is necessary to scrape off until healthy apple bark.
3. After mechanical cleaning, the bark is treated with a 3% solution of copper sulfate.
4. It is necessary to dilute urea (with the volume of a box of matches) in a bucket of water.
5. Spray with prepared solution urea place under the tree.

How to get rid of lichen on an apple tree completely? To consolidate the result of work on the elimination of lichen, in the fall and at the end of winter, it is necessary to whitewash the tree.

Preparation of a solution for whitewashing an apple tree:

• water - 10 liters;
• lime (3 kg);
• clay (1 kg);
• copper sulfate (150 g);
• mullein.

You can buy ready-made whitewash for apple trees in specialized departments of gardening goods.

Ways to eliminate lichen for small lesions

How to deal with lichens on apple trees if the colony of parasitic organisms is small? In this case, you can do without scraping.

An effective treatment option is to coat the damaged bark with the following mixture:

• salt (1 kg);
• wood ash (2 kg);
• laundry soap without fragrances and additives (2 pcs.);
• hot water (10 l).

All components are mixed in a large container and brought to a boil. After the solution has cooled, it can be used by applying it to the apple tree.

In addition to the above recipe, you can use a ready-made drug with an antifungal effect - "Skor".

Prevention is the best treatment

Since the lichen develops under favorable conditions for itself, it is necessary to take preventive measures so that the tree does not fall into the risk group.

Among the main methods of combating apple lichens:

• correct crown formation;
• spraying.

Pruning is carried out in the spring, trying to thin out the branches so as to improve illumination and ventilation. It is also necessary to ensure that there is no high humidity, which creates a good environment for the development of lichen on an apple tree.

Additionally, in early spring, spraying the apple tree with a 3% solution of copper sulfate or 3% Bordeaux liquid should be carried out. This must be done before the buds appear on the apple tree.

If preventive treatment measures are applied, the lichen has no chance of development. But if it appears, then the sooner measures are taken to eliminate the parasitic colonies on the apple tree, the less the fruit tree will suffer, and the less damage will be done to the yield.

How to get rid of lichens on trees - video