moss on azalea plant

Question

Old, established azalea plants getting heavy moss covering all of the branches. Is this a disease? I live in the Seattle, WA. area.

Answer 1

It is most likely lichen. It is not harmful to the plant, but if you want to get rid of it, this article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/epiphytes/treatment-tree-lichen.htm

If lichen is not the issue and it's indeed moss, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/moss-on-plants.htm