Is this normal?

[Gr8tfuldad]

This is my first season with this tree, Hinoki Cypress. Is this bark forming, or an insect. That’s as close as I could get, you might have to zoom in…thank you for your help!

 

[0soyoung]

Looks like it could be lichen (a fungus that discovered farming). If so, it is not affecting your tree and is testimony to good air quality in your neck of the woods.

Are you unaware of lichens or do you know that it definitely is not lichen?

 

[Gr8tfuldad]

Looks like it could be lichen (a fungus that discovered farming). If so, it is not affecting your tree and is testimony to good air quality in your neck of the woods.

Are you unaware of lichens or do you know that it definitely is not lichen?

I’m familiar with lichen, just not as it’s emerging. Most times when I notice some, it is well established. It certainly could be it. I will keep an eye on it going forward. Thank you for the input.