Spores on New Tree

Whalehq

Hi, I moved into a new development in March and it came with some sort of red blossoming tree. I noticed there were spores on it today. Just wondering this is out of the ordinary and if so should I be worried about the tree's development ? 

Buttercupdays

It's lichen. It's harmless, it's a sign of clean air. My trees are covered in it in all shapes, sizes and colours.

Silver surfer

Buttercupdays said:

It's lichen. It's harmless, it's a sign of clean air. My trees are covered in it in all shapes, sizes and colours.

Sorry but don't think it is harmless lichen
Zooming in I think it is woolly aphid. Not good.

https://www.google.com/search?q=woolly+aphids&client=firefox-b-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi0mNKvgLbxAhWIEMAKHfcUDhEQ_AUoAXoECAEQBA&biw=1280&bih=567

Whalehq

Thanks. They looked more like spores to me today but I'll have a closer look tomorrow and see. The tree blossomed a month or two ago and looked healthy and quite nice. It doesn't look as healthy today, some shrivelled leaves etc. 

Silver surfer

Spores. Not sure what you mean by spores.
Fungus produce spores...they are microscopic...more like dust.

Do report back here what you find on closer inspection.

Whalehq

I thought the wool looked like a group of spores e.g some sort of fungus etc

I had another look this morning and it certainly looks like it could be this wooly aphid you speak of. I showered a but of water on them yesterday and it seems that its washed away some of the 'wool' and I can see an outline that reminds of a woodlouse. They don't look like they're moving however. Please see some close ups. I've also attached a photo so you can see that they are clustering all over the tree. It really doesn't look good.
I think I'll have to get the landscaper back and see what he makes of it.
Many thanks you did very well to diagnose the issue using the first photo😊

BobTheGardener

Definitely woolly aphid and you need to physically remove them as they are impervious to insecticides because the waxy fluffy stuff covering them repels water.  A stiff scrubbing brush and a bucket of slightly soapy water are your tools of choice here.  You may need to repeat several times over the year.