Lichen on an apple tree: how to get rid of and the best ways to fight, prevention

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 you get rid of lichen on an apple tree, it is recommended to understand the causes of 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 densely covering the wood.Education does not feed on the sap of the tree, but uses the trunk or branches as a support. Lichen is a small rosette, but often grows rapidly, occupying large areas.

Varieties of lichen

Several types of lichen settle on apple trees. The most common varieties are:

• scale;
• lamellar;
• scaly.

Rare, but also found bushy lichen, preferring to infect old trees.

Causes and factors that provoke the appearance

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

• no cutting;
• damaging effects of sunlight;
• frostbite on wood.

A weak root system also increases the risk of lichen.

What harm do the tree

The new growth of the apple tree itself does not carry any special danger. But if left untreated, lichen clogs pores, preventing air from entering. Pests also settle in the raid, causing significant harm to the tree. As a result, the yield decreases, the apple tree may die.

General signs of defeat

It's easy to identify lichen on a tree. The disease has a number of symptoms:

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

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

When trunks and branches are cleaned

Trees are being processed as needed, there are no deadlines. 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.

Clean up immediately after removing the burn. Often insects and pest larvae hide in lichens.

Which drugs are effective

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

Copper vitriol

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

Soda Ash

With a slight lesion, a soda solution will help. Add 100-120 gr. to a bucket of water. means, wash the affected areas.

Whitewash

Regularly carry out spring whitewashing. On a bucket of water - 500 ml of lime, mix until smooth, cover with a thick layer.

Urea

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

How to treat old apple trees?

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

How to get rid of lichen young tree

Young apple trees must be handled carefully - there is a risk of burning delicate wood. Cleaning should be carried out carefully, with a scraper of medium hardness, trying not to damage the bark. When spraying drugs, make sure that the solution does not fall on he althy tissue.

Features of treatment in different parts of the apple tree

Depending on the affected area, fungal infection should be de alt with according to 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, it is better to remove the affected leaves and burn them. 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 a solution of soda or fungicides. Wait for drying, 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 treat it with drugs. Pour the trunk circle three times abundantly with an interval of 3-5 days with a fungicide or antifungal agents.

Prevention of mosses and lichens

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

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

Be sure to whitewash the trees. Prevent cracking of the bark, cover lesions with garden pitch in a timely manner.

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

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