We moved into a new house 1.5 years ago and can't identify a tree. Last year I noticed a white "fungus" on the trunk and this year it's spreading everywhere. Last summer small leaf buds appeared but nothing this year, however, there are a number of shoots at the bottom of the tree. I am attaching 2 photos of a leaf I took off the shoot. I'm hoping that someone can help me identify the tree and possibly what the "fungus" is (lichens?). I'd really like to treat and save the tree if possible. I can't take a photo of the tree tonight as it's dark and raining. If this would be helpful I can do this tomorrow. Oh, I live in Ottawa, ON if that's helpful. Thanks in advance. Christine
Maybe Morus alba? Your infestation might be scale: a photo of it would help greatly in ID. Might in fact BE a fungus! Have to see it to be certain. Hope that it is lichen---if so you have nothing to fear. Also, photo(s) of the entire tree showing as much detail as possible would be good too. Perhaps there is something else going on with your tree, causing it to have problems with new growth. Welcome to the Forum! (Is dark and raining here, too---with much lightning and thunder!)
Compare Morus alba leaves with those of Tilia (aka basswood or linden). A photo of the whole tree would also be helpful.
The leaves resemble the basswood/linden leaves. I am attaching some pictures of my poor tree. I've included pictures of the "fungus" that spreads up the tree, the base of the tree, the new shoots, and the branches with the old buds. Cheers, Christine
Time to cut down your deceased Linden tree. The Lichen had no bearing on it's demise. You could have a certified arborist try to diagnose what killed it in case you want to plant another one in it's place. Secondary invasion by Borers in the wood will weaken the tree enough that it is a hazard to surrounding structures. http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extnews/hortiscope/tree/linden.htm
