Selwyn_Times: October 05, 2023

10 | selwyn gardening guide spring 2023
Lichen:
friend or foe?
Lichen grows on any undisturbed surface, so it’s
commonly seen on slow-growing trees. There’s a – let’s
not call it an “old wives’ tale”, because old wives are
often right – it’s more of a gardening myth, that lichen
on a tree means that the tree is dying.
The tree may in fact be dying, but the causality is the
other way round. Lichens love sunlight, so if the tree
is unwell, its canopy is decreasing, letting more light
through.
You may see light-loving lichen on the sunny side of a
branch with shade-loving moss on the other side – both
beautiful, and neither harming the plant.
In fact, the presence of lichen is a positive indicator of
the health of your garden. This is because of its unique
physical makeup and structure. Lichens are a symbiosis
of fungi with algae. The fungus gives it its body,
while the algae gives it its ability to get nutrients by
photosynthesis.
This all means that the lichen cannot do anything bad to
your plant – it is living on it, but not penetrating, drying
or consuming it. Lichens are self-sufficient, feeding from
clean air and sunlight. So if they’re doing this in your
garden, your air quality is healthy and unpolluted.
Lichens are the dominant vegetation on as much as 8%
of the Earth’s land, able to survive in every climate and
altitude. This is because of some remarkable attributes.
1) If they don’t like the weather, they can shut down their
metabolism until their environment suits them again.
This is how they survive the planet’s extremes of heat,
cold and drought, living in Antarctic winters at -70°C
and deserts at 70°C.
2) They can live for hundreds, perhaps thousands of
years.
3) They can release hundreds of different sorts of
biochemical compound substances to defend against
specific threats, for example to control light and
ultraviolet exposure, repel herbivores, fend off grazing
slugs and insects and kill attacking microbes and
bacteria.
New Zealand has at least 2,000 lichen species, with up
to 40% being unique to this country. You probably have
some of those in your garden, adding a beautiful sense
of aging and grace. Relax and feel honoured – they are
friend, not foe.
Trees
are the Kiwi dream
We Kiwis love being outside whenever the weather
allows. We’re gardening, BBQing, playing and
relaxing, enjoying quiet reflection and sharing time
with loved ones – and we love doing all this in the
presence of beautiful trees.
Most kiwi gardens have a feature tree – the one that
enchants and uplifts us, and represents home.
Canterbury company The Tree People understands
this, and shares our passion. Their main promise:
“The trees we care for look perfect and healthy…
because they are.”
“We combine the science and art of tree care with
technical experience, passion, advanced equipment
and sustainable practices,” says Co-Owner Raoni
Hammer.
Shade in outdoor space is critical once that
temperature creeps up. There are several benefits of
using tree canopy for shelter: a deciduous tree will
let the light and warmth you want into the house as
the canopy thins for autumn. In the hot months, the
transpiration of trees cools the air around them.
A row of trees will shade a paved area, cooling the
ground itself for bare feet, plus minimising heat
radiation upwards.
As you prepare your summer garden, consider
water conservation as a top priority. Select
environmentally suitable plant species. Enhance soil
quality by mulching, composting or using Biochar,
while leaving healthy leaf litter in place. Opt for
early morning or evening watering and explore the
benefits of rainwater collection systems.
At our arborist company, we’re committed to
helping you create a sustainable and thriving garden
for the summer months. The team also trims trees
for powerline safety and offers emergency services.
Whether your trees are native, ornamental or
fruiting, The Tree People are the experts.
Book a free consultation today.
www.thetreepeople.nz | Ph 03 384 9630
email: info@thetreepeople.nz
Since 2004, The Tree People are your Canterburyowned
tree experts. Our team is focused on
sustainability, and we care about what we do.
You can trust us to take care of your tree needs
South Island wide.
Our services include all aspects of tree work:
• Pruning
• Storm damage
• Removals
• Planting
• Tree transplanting
• Vista management
• Hedge trimming
• Environmental services
Call us for a
FREE quote
03 384 9630
www.thetreepeople.nz