MR Walker has written to me this week about a growth on his fruit trees. He has expressed concerns about the growth affecting the fruiting capacity of the plant. He included samples within the envelope, which has made it easy for me to identify.

THE growth on the branches is most definitely a lichen. Lichens are completely self-sufficient organisms which make their own nutrients by the process of photosynthesis. This means that they are harmless to other plants. Although the branches that the lichens tend to colonise are the weaker ones, this doesn’t mean they have sapped them of their life. It is a simple matter of being easier to grow on a slow growing or motionless surface rather than a vigorous stem.

Any reduction in the produce will not be a result of the lichen. It will be due to environmental reasons, pest attack or disease. It could also be due to the tree taking a rest from producing fruit for a year or two, or even simply just old age.

The priority is to maintain the health of the tree or bush. Ensure that it is receiving sufficient water, is pruned correctly and is free from grass and weeds around its stem.

On the positive front, the presence of lichen is an indicator of particularly clean air.

Jobs this week

■ Rake up the leaves that are starting to land on the lawn and do so at regular intervals. This prevents a large build-up. Put the collected leaves in a bin bag. They will break down within six months to a year to form a beautiful crumbly compost.

■ Start tidying up the perennial border plants. Pull or trim off any dead leaves and cut off spent flowers.

■ Tie in any rambling roses that have got a bit straggly and whippy so that they don’t get damaged in the autumn winds.

CORE EVENTS

Nature’s World, Acklam, Middlesbrough

IN conjunction with the usual monthly farmers’ market and craft fair, Nature’s World is holding an apple day on Sunday from 10am until 2pm. There will be many varieties of apples for sale, along with advice on growing and cooking with them.

The Walled Garden at Whitworth Hall, Spennymoor

AN apple-picking day on Sunday will start at 1.30pm in aid of the Red Cross in the established orchard within the walls of the garden at Whitworth Hall.

£1.50 will get you a bucket which you can fill with apples of your choice.

Brigid co-presents the BBC Tees Green, Gardening and Great Outdoors show every Sunday from 11 to 2pm. Questions can be answered on the day by emailing brigid.press@bbc.co.uk any time during the week, or texting 07786-200995 and phoning 01642-225511 during the show.

Written queries can be addressed to Brigid at Lazy DayzPlant Centre, 10 Farm Road, Houghall, Durham, DH1 3SG