engelmann spruce white stuff growing on bark?

[wnorris]

hi there. I've inherited an engelmann spruce, and its got white stuff growing/appearing on the bark. I'm new, and have done my best to try and find something already posted here that would be helpful. this white stuff does have some areas that appear "crusty" like hardened pitch. half of the tree is growing poorly, not sure if its entirely related. I'm in zone 8b. and before I try to do any wiring/styling/repotting, I'm hoping to restore health. thank you for any helpful advise and info!

 

[19Mateo83]

Welcome to the nut house! That’s a neat little spruce. I do not have any experience with these but you came to the right place. I’m sure someone in here has some good insight on this for you.

 

[Paradox]

Looks like pitch or sap to me.
Have you looked up near the top of that streak for a potential borer hole?

 

[wnorris]

Welcome to the nut house! That’s a neat little spruce. I do not have any experience with these but you came to the right place. I’m sure someone in here has some good insight on this for you.

thank you!

 

[wnorris]

Looks like pitch or sap to me.
Have you looked up near the top of that streak for a potential borer hole?

I don't see any evidence of borer holes that I can see. do you think its from anything in particular thats a borer?

 

[Firstflush]

Looks like lichen.

 

[wnorris]

Looks like lichen.

thank you, I'll look into lichen. I appreciate your input!

 

[Firstflush]

I don’t think it is harmful. Could be wrong. I have seen it removed with some soapy water and toothbrush.

 

[parhamr]

It’s pitch or sap. Some trees just leak it while they’re growing actively. This on its own is not bad.

 

[Paradox]

I don't see any evidence of borer holes that I can see. do you think its from anything in particular thats a borer?

A borer could cause a stream of sap/pitch to run down the trunk which is why I suggested looking for a possible hole.

 

[penumbra]

Its dried sap from mechanical injury like a cut or a crack. Seen it lots of times.

 

[sorce]

Welcome to Crazy!

Keep an eye out for aphids. Don't know if they are attracted by the sap but they love my spruce!

Sorce

 

[wnorris]

Welcome to Crazy!

Keep an eye out for aphids. Don't know if they are attracted by the sap but they love my spruce!

Sorce

will do, thank you!