I live in East of Tampa FL and my 5 year old Peach tree that for the first time I can see 6 little peaches growing on it has a lot of flaky light bluish green moss or something growing on it. I have seen it also growing on other mostly oaks. Is this healthy? The tree is in an open area that gets
70% sunlight during the day. What can be done about it? Also there is grass growing around the base of the tree-should I remove this? Thanks GreyhoundYou will get higher yeilds with mulch instead of turf around the dripline of your fruit tree, just be sure to pull it back a few inches from the trunk. Also remember to thin a good hands breadth apart. This year I bet it can handle all six of the peaches you see but in the future make sure to thin them. The lichen on your tree is no real problem.
Agreed.
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Keith Babberney ISA Certified Arborist
The "flaky" stuff is probably lichens, a combination of moss and algae. I wouldn't worry a bit about that, as it's quite common and doesn't grow on trees where the air quality is poor.
About the grass at the base of the tree, however --- it's never a good idea to grow ANYTHING under the canopy of trees as it outcompetes the tree for water and nutrients. Better to remove the grass and replace with an organic mulch.
Suzy O in Wisconsin, Zone 5
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