Diagnosis please

We have several trees in close proximity of each other, which all have branches covered in some type of growths,that make them look like a cactus! Ive searched through images on google and checked out RHS to no avail! Has anyone got any idea?
We have only recently moved in and as the trees are bare at the moment,we have no idea what sort of trees they are.
Many thanks in advance
Best wishes
Jim

 

It looks like lichen. I'm not sure which type. Here's some examples of it on trees

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=l...hUKEwjSqPPXu9HKAhWHchQKHU5GDgMQ_AUIBigB&dpr=1

 

Many thanks Fern. I had already done a google search and saw those images ,which left me also wondering if it was a lichen. Great minds think alike!
Its pretty unsightly, but hopefully isn't harming the trees. We are wondering whether to give them a hard prune?
BW
Jim

 

I agree it's lichens. They will do no harm to your trees. They have become more common over past years as they require clean air and water to thrive.
As to pruning what type of trees are they? Also a more general photo of them and their neighbours would be useful.

 

There is Lichen there but I think @James T might be referring to the corky wings on the bark.
I dont think this is a disease, some trees do grow like that.
If you Google corky wings you will get lots of images.

 

What an interesting tree! Please tell us what you find out.


Using Tapatalk.

 

I believe it is Liquidambar styraciflua.
Bark like this is very typical.

Pics of the leaves in the spring would help for sure.

https://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/PPDL/images/wingedtwig1.jpg

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=l...ved=0ahUKEwj60ouWidLKAhWCvxoKHZIeD0kQ_AUIBigB

 

I've seen it quite often on hedgerow plants, maybe not quite as large though.
I do have a Burr oak that has this tendency, I think spindle tree does it as well.

 

Definitely looks like lichen from here.

It seems more prevalent on dead or dying branches of trees and even on rotting timber so I'd suggest checking that the branches are healthy and not dead or diseased as they may need to be pruned off to help the trees live for longer.

 

Agree with you Mowerman that there is lichen as well.
However lichen is not harmful to trees. It is a sign of clean unpolluted air.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=l...ved=0ahUKEwiNpNOS7obLAhVFVRQKHdigDPMQ_AUIBigB

Have you ever looked at the bark of Liquidambar to see how corky it can be? See..

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=l...tbm=isch&q=liquidambar+styraciflua+corky+bark

 

Lichen grows on most things, from concrete to wood or even plastic.
But the OP says the growths are making the trees look like cactus.

Its the wings on the bark in question rather than the yellow lichen.