155 days ago

Lichen!

Melissa Thompson from The Tree People

A harmless and sometimes considered unslightly combination of algae or cyanobacteria and a fungus, coming together in a mutually beneficial relationship.

With a range of colours and forms, the presence of lichen on a tree is a sign of clean healthy air and that it has no negative impact on the growth of the tree.

An epiphyte (a plant or plant-like organism that grows on the surface of another plant), lichens are unlikely to kill a tree, or cause it to fail. Lichens are not parasitic and do not draw nutrients from the tree.

Lichens need sunlight for photosynthesis, so they don't thrive in heavy shade. Consequently, they are typically found on deciduous trees or trees that are already dying, as these conditions provide less leaf cover in the canopy, allowing more light to reach the lichens.

While it is normal and natural for lichen to be present on a tree, an abundance of lichen might suggest that the tree is experiencing some form of stress.

If you are concerned about the presence of lichen
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More messages from your neighbours
9 hours ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

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1 day ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 5% Second half of November
    5% Complete
  • 44.1% 1st December
    44.1% Complete
  • 17% A week before Christmas
    17% Complete
  • 32.5% Whenever you wish
    32.5% Complete
  • 1.4% Other - I'll share below
    1.4% Complete
1106 votes
B
2 days ago

Handy gardener wanted with large chainsaw

Belinda from Woolston

Just needing a small job topping small hedges chain sawing. I’ve done most of the hedges however not the power saw that can cut through the branches I can’t.