Specific growths on the bark not only have an unattractive appearance, but also prevent the plant from developing normally. Such growths must be removed in spring or autumn so that the plant has time to recover.
Why is it necessary to get rid of mosses and lichens?
The appearance of lichen and moss does not cause severe harm to the plant, since the formations are not parasites. However, this type of formation, growing on the bark in large quantities, can cause the following harm to fruit crops:
- moss accumulates fungal spores, which spread throughout the area and infect fruit crops;
- pest larvae often lay in compactions;
- lichens are densely located on the bark, as a result of which the plant does not receive the necessary oxygen. Therefore, branches that are infected with lichen quickly dry out and bear fruit poorly.
Lichens and mosses appear on weak fruit trees that have not been cared for for a long time.
4 ways to combat lichens and moss
The use of methods allows you to eliminate growths in a short time without harm to the plant.
Wooden scraper
The method is used for cases where growths appear in small quantities. Use a wooden scraper to carefully remove the layer of growths along with the bark. After the growths are removed, it is necessary to prepare a weak solution of iron sulfate and spray the plant.It is also recommended to treat the area near the trunk with iron sulfate to destroy all fungi and pest eggs that fall off along with the infected bark.
Salt and laundry soap
If growths appear in large quantities, gardeners prepare the following mixture. To do this, 1 kg of salt is dissolved in 10 liters of hot water. To the resulting solution you need to add 2 kg of wood ash and 200 grams of laundry soap. The resulting solution is infused for an hour. Using a large bristle brush, apply the mixture to problem areas.
Treatment with iron sulfate
The method is effective if applied in early spring or autumn, after harvesting. For processing, you need to prepare a solution by mixing 300 grams of vitriol in 10 liters of warm water. Treat the infected areas with the resulting infusion.
Soda ash
The method is effective for controlling moss and lichen. To use, prepare a solution by dissolving 100 grams in 7 liters of water soda ash. The resulting composition is thoroughly mixed and applied to problem areas with a brush. In advanced cases, the solution is reapplied after 10 days.
Mosses and lichens can reduce the fertility of trees and lead to their death. Therefore, it is recommended to begin the fight at the first signs of the disease. Most often, the problem occurs on old trees that no one cares for. In the spring, for prevention, it is recommended to treat trees with Bordeaux mixture, which prevents the appearance of formations and acts as a fertilizer.
