Many farmers are finding algae on their trees this year.

Algae can be described as grey green dust that will rub off when scraped with a fingernail, exposing healthy green needles underneath. Algae is most likely to be found on older trees growing closer together.

Jerry Moody and Jill Sidebottom did a study 15 years ago that examined products that prevent algae growth from occurring the following season.

Once algae has grown on a tree, it’s very difficult to remove. However, some of the algae will be shaken off during harvest.