This has appeared on most of the branches of my magnolia tree. Can you tell me what it is and how to deal with it. I am about to drastically prune the tree as it was once a bush Thank you.
Yes, a lichen. Harmless, it is only using the tree as a 'parking space' (it grows as often on rocks as on trees). Magnolias don't take to pruning at all well - if you prune it hard, it'll likely die, and if it doesn't die, it'll certainly always have an awful shape afterwards. Don't do it!
Thank you so much for your reply. I'm relieved it is not something more serious. I will take your advice re pruning. Thank you.
Cutting back an infested plant only helps when there are specific reasons to prune out growths when a particular condition is present. A bacterial or fungal blight causing dying back, for instance. Otherwise cutting back hard is likely to merely add to the specimen's distress, even make it less able to cope with the infestation.
