Are Lichens Harmful to Plants?

In Florida, the sight of Spanish moss hanging from oak trees is common. For many, it lends a nostalgic appeal to century old trees, a hint romance, a longing for days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. Today however, some homeowners abhor the sight and call a tree service to have it removed, insisting that it’s killing the trees. Is it?

Not according to the University of Florida. On the contrary. Spanish moss is harmless to plants and trees. It’s not filled with chiggers or redbugs, either. Whew. Good news, as my home is surrounded by moss-drenched oaks!

So if Spanish moss is harmless, does that mean this ugly fungus-looking stuff on my blueberry plants is harmless as well? Because my bushes don’t look so great and I’m afraid the fungus growth is killing them.

Further research into the topic indicates, no, it’s not the culprit. Bad news. That means it’s MY fault. UGH. Not again!! And my blueberry patch is located in full sun. I mean, totally full sun–no shade. At all.

“The presence of some lichens is normal on many Florida trees and shrubs, but heavy lichen growth often indicates poor plant growth and decline from environmental stresses, damage, or poor management. Defoliated branches on declining plants provide increased access to sunlight which in turn causes lichens to thrive.” ~ University of Florida.

Well, poor management could be a possibility. This blueberry patch of mine has been harmed by intermittent drought periods due to algae buildup in the irrigation line–something I’m not always aware of right away–hence, the poor management. Just goes to show how important it is to visit your garden every day! By doing so, you will likely notice when soil is dry, when bugs are attacking, when disease is infiltrating BEFORE it becomes a major issue.

You get the picture. While I’m an avid gardener, I’m not a perfect one. Hopefully my blueberry bushes that have been affected can be salvaged. Whether or not my irrigation system can be is another question. I might have to consider alternative methods. Micro-irrigation is great, but leaving the tubes lying on the ground subjects them to heat, and algae loves warm water.

Oh, well. I’ve always said–gardening is an adventure! (Not to mention learning experience.) As for Spanish moss, if you’d like, you can clear it from your trees and plants for an aesthetic improvement.

Live oaks free of Spanish moss are quite beautiful, wouldn’t you agree? Otherwise, no worries. These plants, including my dreaded lichens, are harmless to your landscape.