Lilac Bark Lichens: Symptom of Decline, Not Cause

Lilac branches dying with greenish-grey spotted coating. Affected branches leafless. Asks: fungus? Treatment?

Expert Assessment

Steve: coating likely lichens on older/declining woody plants. Lichens don't cause decline—they result from it (more light on sparse canopy).

Resource

PDF bulletin on lichens (FSA-7554) provided.

Key Insight

Lichens are bioindicators of canopy thinning, not pathogens. Treating lichens misses the real issue: why is the lilac declining? Focus on primary stress factors.