Lichen on trees?

[ts_13]

I have several trees (chestnut and sawtooth) that have lichen on the bark. They are not shaded trees either. Any indication on what this means? Most are growing ok, although some of them are slower growing, thick trunks but not much height.

Anyone see this with their trees?

 

[Barndog56]

On pretty much all of my oaks and the pines in the nearby public land. Does not hurt the trees any.

 

[Bill]

Actually I believe it means there is good air circulation and oxygen at the site. I've read it won't grow in polluted air.

 

[Prof.Kent]

Lichen grows by feeding off dead stuff; in this case the surface of the bark. While some think it is unsightly I've never seen it hurt a tree.It might cause trouble if it gets too thick...maybe holding too much moisture at the bark. Just pull/knock it off