Has lichen killed my laburnum?
PIPPA SAYS I’m sorry your laburnum has died, but the lichens on the bark were not the cause. Lichens produce energy by photosynthesis, so unlike many fungi that grow on plants, they are simply using the plant as a surface to support them (you’ll see lichens on paving stones and garden furniture). So lichen growth doesn’t pose any threat to future plantings. However, the fact that the laburnum died of unknown causes does worry me and I’d suggest you check for signs of root infections, including honey fungus and phytophthora, before considering what to replant there.