How To Get Rid Of Lichen On Trees Naturally

If you’ve noticed a crusty, greenish-gray growth on your trees, you might be wondering how to get rid of lichen on trees naturally. The good news is that lichen is often harmless, but its presence can signal a tree that needs a little extra care. This guide will walk you through safe and effective removal methods that work with nature, not against it.

First, let’s clear up a common misconception. Lichen is not a plant or a fungus alone. It’s a unique partnership between algae and fungi living together. It doesn’t have roots that penetrate the tree bark to steal nutrients. Instead, it simply uses the bark as a place to sit and soak up sunlight and moisture from the air.

Before you start any removal, it’s crucial to understand why lichen is there. Lichen thrives in slow-growing, stressed, or aging trees. It’s often a symptom, not the diease itself. A healthy, fast-growing tree will naturally shed bark fast enough to discourage heavy lichen growth. So, the most natural “removal” method is to improve your tree’s overall health.

Understanding Lichen: Friend or Foe?

Lichen is mostly a cosmetic issue. In most cases, it does not harm the tree. However, a very thick coating can potentially block small pores in the bark or hold excess moisture against the trunk. More importantly, a sudden explosion of lichen growth can be a visual clue.

It often appears on trees that are already in decline due to other factors like root damage, drought, or compacted soil.
It’s more common on older trees or branches that have naturally slowed there growth.
It loves sunlight and moist air, so you’ll often see more on the sunnier side of the trunk.

So, your first step should always be a tree health check, not a lichen attack.

Step-by-Step Natural Removal Methods

If you’ve decided the lichen is too unsightly or you want to clean up an old fruit tree to better inspect its bark, here are gentle methods.

1. The Manual Removal Technique

This is the simplest and most direct method. It’s best done in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant and lichen is dry and brittle.

Put on a pair of sturdy gardening gloves.
Use your hands to gently rub or peel the lichen away from the bark. For flaky bark trees like crepe myrtles, this is very easy.
For tougher patches, use a soft-bristled brush (like a nylon-bristle scrub brush) or a plastic paint scraper. Be gentle to avoid gouging the living bark underneath.
Let the debris fall to the ground—it’s harmless and will break down naturally.

2. The Vinegar and Water Spray

A mild acidic solution can help kill lichen, making it easier to brush off later. This is a spot treatment, not a drenching.

Mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water in a spray bottle.
On a calm, dry day, spray the solution directly onto the lichen patches until they are lightly coated.
Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes. You may see the lichen change color.
Use your soft brush to scrub the area gently. The lichen should come away more easily.
Rinse the area with clean water from a hose to remove any residual vinegar.

3. The Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids (Insecticidal Soap) Method

This is a common organic gardening product that can also help with lichen. It works by breaking down the outer layer.

Purchase a ready-to-use insecticidal soap spray from a garden center.
Follow the label directions carefully. Usually, you spray it on directly.
After application, wait a day or two, then use your soft brush to remove the dead lichen.
This method is very mild and safe for the tree when used as directed.

What NOT to Do: Avoiding Harm

In your eagerness to clean the tree, it’s easy to cause accidental damage. Avoid these common mistakes.

Do not use a pressure washer. The high-pressure stream can blast away young, tender bark and create wounds that invite pests and disease.
Do not use metal brushes or wire wool. These are to aggressive and will certainly damage the cambium layer, which is the tree’s lifeline just under the bark.
Avoid harsh chemical fungicides. They are unnecessary for lichen and can harm beneficial insects and soil life. Lichen is not a fungus you need to “cure.”
Don’t remove lichen from young, thin-barked trees unless absolutely necessary, as the process itself is more likely to cause injury.

The Best Long-Term Strategy: Promote Tree Health

This is the most effective “natural” strategy of all. A vigorous tree is it’s own best defense against excessive lichen. Focus on these core practices.

Proper Watering

Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong root growth. During dry spells, give your tree a slow, long drink at the drip line (the area under the outer branches), not right at the trunk.

Judicious Pruning

Correct pruning improves air circulation and sunlight penetration through the canopy. This helps the tree’s own foliage dry faster after rain, reducing overall humidity that lichen loves. Always prune in the dormant season and use clean, sharp tools.

Mulching and Soil Care

Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch (like wood chips) around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. This conserves moisture, regulates soil temperature, and improves soil structure as it breaks down. Healthy soil means healthy roots.

Addressing Underlying Stress

Look for other issues: soil compaction from foot traffic, damage from lawn mowers or trimmers, or competition from turfgrass roots. Mitigating these stresses gives your tree its energy back for growth.

When to Call a Professional Arborist

Sometimes, the lichen is a sign of a more serious problem. Contact a certified arborist if:

The tree has significant dieback in the canopy, large dead branches, or sparse leaf cover.
You see signs of pest infestation (like bore holes) or fungal disease (like mushrooms at the base).
The tree has structural damage, cracks, or cavities in the trunk.
You are unsure about the tree’s health or the proper pruning techniques needed.

A pro can diagnose the real issue and recommend a treatment plan that might save the tree.

FAQ: Your Lichen Questions Answered

Does lichen kill trees?

No, lichen is not parasitic and does not kill trees. It is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on the surface. However, a heavy coating can indicate the tree is already struggling from other causes.

Is it bad to remove lichen from trees?

Not necessarily, if done gently. The main risk is damaging the bark during removal. If the tree is healthy and you use soft tools, careful removal for aesthetic reasons is generally fine.

What is the difference between moss and lichen on trees?

Moss is a simple green plant that often feels soft and spongy. Lichen has a more crusty, leafy, or shrubby appearance and comes in colors like gray, green, yellow, or orange. Both prefer similar moist, shaded conditions but are different organisms.

Will lichen grow back after removal?

Probably, if the environmental conditions and the tree’s growth rate remain the same. That’s why improving the tree’s vigor is key to long-term management. If the tree becomes happier and grows faster, lichen will have a harder time establishing.

Can I use baking soda to remove lichen?

Some gardeners use a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it, let it dry, and brush it off. This can alter the surface pH and dry out the lichen. Test a small area first, as it could potentially irritate very young bark. The vinegar method is often prefered for its simplicity.

In the end, lichen is mostly a harmless part of a mature garden ecosystem, providing shelter for tiny insects. By choosing gentle removal methods and focusing on your tree’s fundamental needs—water, air, light, and healthy soil—you address the root of the “problem” naturally. Your tree will thank you with stronger growth and better resilience, making the question of how to get rid of lichen on trees naturally less important over time.