Guide to Identifying Tree Mold by Month for Allergy Relief

Identifying Tree Mold Issues Month-by-Month

If you suffer from tree pollen allergies, you know that mold on trees can exacerbate your symptoms. But did you know that different types of tree mold tend to appear during certain times of the year? Being able to identify the common tree molds month-by-month can help you figure out what's causing your sniffles and prepare accordingly.

Tree Mold in January

In January, one of the most common tree mold issues is lichen. These fungi grow on tree bark and branches and thrive in the cool, damp weather of winter. Lichen comes in pale greens, grays, and yellows. It has a crusty, bumpy texture. Another tree mold sporing in January is jelly skin fungus, which creates a clear gelatinous layer on dead wood. It has a jelly-like texture and apricot color.

Tree Mold in February

February brings prime conditions for old man's beard mold and other filamentous fungi. Old man's beard creates long, hair-like grayish strands hanging from branches. Other hairy gray molds like Spanish moss also appear. Oozing brown slime flux fungus may emerge on damaged trees as well. The wet weather makes February ideal for molds that need moisture to reproduce.

Tree Mold in March

In March, you may notice more colorful tree molds like scarlet elf cups, which are bright red cups growing on dead wood. Another red tree mold is red lead fungus, which has flat shiny discs. Jelly fungi also emerge, forming blobs or spots with a jelly-like texture on logs and branches. Warmer temps allow these colorful fungi to thrive.

Tree Mold in April

April showers usher in perfect conditions for slime molds like dog vomit fungus. It forms a lumpy yellow mass on logs and mulch. Other slimes like scrambled egg slime and pink slime ooze onto decaying wood. Their bright colors signal spring's arrival. Morel mushrooms may sprout at tree bases as well, with sponge-like porous caps.

Tree Mold in May

Watch for leaf spot fungus in May, which creates dark spots on emerging tree leaves. Oozy Taphrina blisters may also appear, causing swollen blisters on leaves and flowers. Summer-fruiting fungi get started in May, like chicken of the woods mushrooms with their orange shelved caps and the black sooty mold that grows on sap secretions.

Tree Mold in June

June brings prime time for smuts and rust fungi that infect developing nuts and fruits. Cedar-apple rust creates orange gelatinous fingers emerging from juniper cones. Peach leaf curl fungus attack new leaves, causing puckered reddish spots. Summer heat ignites mold spores waiting dormant within blossoms and developing nuts.

Tree Mold in July

Be on the lookout for conks in July. These large, woody fungi like artist's conk and chicken of the woods grow on tree trunks and branches. Their undersides produce reproductive spores in concentric rings or porous layers. Gray sooty molds and black tar spot fungus may also thrive in July's heat and humidity.

Tree Mold in August

August brings prime time for mushrooms at the base of trees, like colorful Amanitas and the edible chanterelle. Heat-loving black sooty mold continues to flourish. Ripe fruits become infected with new brown rot fungi, creating mushy spots and releasing spores. Preventative fungicide sprays help avoid mold damage to fruit crops.

Most Common Tree Mold Types

Here's an overview of the most prevalent tree molds that release spores throughout the year, worsening seasonal allergies:

Lichen

These gray, yellow, orange, or green crusty growths thrive on bark, branches, and leaves during wet winter weather. Common types include old man's beard and graphis lichen.

Saprophytic Fungi

These molds decompose dead wood, leaves, and debris. Examples include jelly fungus, witch's butter, and dead man's fingers. They peak after wet periods.

Mushrooms

Mushroom types like morels, chanterelles and artist's conks emerge during warm, humid weather. They multiply by releasing spores.

Slime Molds

Slime molds ooze onto surfaces during wet weather. They come in bright hues like dog vomit slime and scrambled egg slime that can trigger allergies.

Tree Cankers

Canker fungi like Cytospora invade tree bark and sapwood, destroying tissues. They thrive during wet spring weather.

Rust Fungi

Rust fungi like cedar-apple rust release spores in spring, causing yellow or orange spots on leaves and fruit. Humidity allows them to spread.

Sooty Molds

These dark mold growths coat leaves and branches during warm, humid weather. They thrive off honeydew secretions from insects on trees.

Controlling Tree Mold Allergies by Month

If you suffer from allergies worsened by sporing tree mold, here are some tips to manage symptoms month-by-month:

January Tree Mold Control

Treat lichen growth with copper fungicide spray. Prune dead branches harboring jelly skin fungus. Clean gutters clogged with moldy leaves.

February Tree Mold Control

Rake up fallen twigs covered in filamentous mold. Use a wire brush to remove old man's beard strands from branches. Discard decaying bark and wood.

March Tree Mold Control

Prune off jelly fungi growths on branches. Rake debris under trees to remove overwintered mold spores. Use a HEPA air filter indoors.

April Tree Mold Control

Clean up fallen dog vomit slime mold on mulch and woodpiles. Remove dead stumps where slime molds grow. Apply fungicides labeled for slime control.

May Tree Mold Control

Remove and destroy leaves with Taphrina blisters or leaf spot fungus. Improve air circulation around trees with pruning. Use a dehumidifier indoors.

June Tree Mold Control

Pick off infected fruits with soft brown spots from tree mold. Disinfect tools after pruning fungus-infected branches. Check new growth for rust fungus.

July Tree Mold Control

Prune branches with wood-decaying conks. Reduce humidity by cleaning gutters and diverting water away from trees. Use air conditioning to lower indoor humidity.

August Tree Mold Control

Treat tree mold with fungicides labeled for sooty mold, leaf spot, and fruit rot protection. Remove diseased fruits from trees and avoid composting.

When to See an Allergist

If over-the-counter medications and home treatments don't provide allergy relief, make an appointment with an allergist. They can do skin or blood tests to identify specific allergy triggers. For tree mold allergies, immunotherapy shots and prescription medications can lessen symptoms.

Don't let seasonal tree molds keep you sniffling all year long. Identifying the types of mold by month is the first step toward taking control of allergy symptoms. With vigilance and the right treatments, you can minimize your exposure and enjoy the outdoors again.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.