Tree bark problem

Question

I have in my front yard a Locust tree, a flowering Dogwood and a Japanese maple. All three have the same bark disease. The bark is peeling and there is a spot on the Locust that looks as if it had a small explosion that pushed the bark outwards and left a hole the size of a golf ball. On all the trees there is what looks like a pale green patchy fungus. Can anyone tell me what is happening to my trees? Thank you

Answer 1

The pale green fungus is lichen and is not harmful to the trees. Many people like the way lichen looks and are fine with it, but others find it unsightly. This article will help you with the lichen:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/treatment-tree-lichen.htm

The other issues sound like you make have a canker disease. There are several kinds and diagnosing trees can be difficult without a physical examination. This article will explain more about cankers:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/cankers-on-trees.htm

But, I would also recommend contacting your local extension office to see if they can send someone to help identify the exact type of canker disease or if they can recommend a local tree specialist that can help you.