Flaky Mold on the Older Branches

Question

We have moved onto a new property that has one red crepe myrtle tree on it. This tree has a flaky green mold attached to all of the branches except this year’s new growth. There are beautiful flowers on the new growth. What can I do to eliminate this mold and not hurt the new growth?

Answer 1

This is lichen. Lichen normally does not cause any problems for plants, other than making them somewhat unattractive.However, it usually forms on plants that are stressed in some way. For more info on lichen, and how to get rid of it, try this article: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/treatment-tree-lichen.htm