Here is an example of how lichen fungus has started to take over this camellia shrub. The camellia is the host plant, and provides nurishment to the lichen fungus. Landscape sites, and “landscape experts” state that lichens have no negative effects on shrubs and trees. Shrub Doctor often finds lichens causing stress, and slowly suffocating the effected plant.
The best practice to control lichen activity is to prune the lichen encrusted branches from the plant. Since lichens are also plants, trying to kill the lichen populations will possibly kill the host plant. If attention is taken during the early stages of lichen identification, the homeowner will be able to stop the advancement of its growth, and save their shrubs and trees.
This second photo shows how neglect to control lichen activity during the early stages, has caused dieback of branches to this camellia shrub.
I have 3 large wax-leaf ligustrum that have “lichen fungus” Ive tried several methods to rid them of this problem, but nothing works. Pruning off disease limbs works best as your practice shows. My question is where and how does this plant come from ?
That’s a good question. Since its really a fungus, it must have all the right conditions to mature. Fungal bodies need a continued moist environment, and a good host to help it survive. Humid climates, thick landscapes, and possible heavy irrigation could be a cause. Many articles that I have read state that lichens do not harm the plant. I saw first hand today where lichens are overtaking a 100 hear old boxwood hedge. Our pruners simply cut out the active areas. We were lucky to find the activity in time to keep it in control. It surely didn’t appear that the boxwood was enjoying the relationship. Hope this helps.
Thanks
MT
some say that copper Sulphate or similar can kill or control Lichen. Any comments?
Good Question. We use copper sulfate to slow down and hopefully kill canker diseases. Our main use for copper in the southeast USA is to control seiridium canker disease on leyland cypress trees. We have actually had good success with this treatment. I would say to give it a try. Let me know how it works. We may follow your lead on this one. Thanks.
I wonder why the holly bushes right beside my tea olives are not affected?
No real reason. Could be better airflow within the holly..
I live in an upland rainforest so lichen is all over, but camellias love it here and get to be trees. I want to remove it for aesthetic reasons (bonsai) so I’ll try copper. Vinegar too.
We are located in the Southeast USA. Its not normal for plants in our zone to have lichens growing within their canopies. Lichens growing on the trunks of our trees are usually harmless, yet as the lichens build on our shrubs the limbs begin to collapse and the shrub slowly declines. Let us know if copper helps you control your issue. Lichens are actually parasitic plants so I would think that copper would not effect them. Vinegar is a good organic herbicide so you may find success in misting the lichens and observing the results. Let us know how it works. Thanks. Mark Tally, Shrub Doctor Inc.