Fungus on fruit trees

[djbobbins]

Could anyone ID this and let me know if it's harmful? I'm an Arbtalk member but posting on behalf of a family member, who I told that someone on here would be able to help! It is growing on fruit trees in Kent, most prevalent on plum trees (two different species) and just starting to appear on pears, but seemingly not yet present on apple trees.

 

Is it harmful? If so, how to treat?

 

[Adam M]

It's a lichen - indicates good air quality. Nothing to worry about.

[Peasgood]

20 years ago you would have to go to west Wales to see one, now they are everywhere.

As Adam says, it is a sign of good ait quality. I believe the sulphur in the smoke from mostly burning coal kept such things away, including scab on roses etc.

Nice to see the lichen but could do without the scab.

[SteveA]

Definitely Lichen.... we have zillions of that stuff on our farm in West Wales.

I like lichen.

cheers, steve

[SteveA]

p.s.... the antler looking one looks like it might be 'Evernia Prunastri'

[SteveA]

p.p.s... the one at the top looks like it's a shield lichen but there are loads & loads of different ones of those.

[djbobbins]

Thanks all!