Can these be saved?

[Kimroset]

I just moved into house and our landscaping is horrendous! I noticed an area of what i thought was fungus on some bushes, however now I'm thinking its scale insects. The bushes stems are covered, leaves are fine. Any idea if they can be saved? I have no clue how old or even what kind of bushes they are, I'm guessing burning bushes.

 

[Chuck]

I just moved into house and our landscaping is horrendous! I noticed an area of what i thought was fungus on some bushes, however now I'm thinking its scale insects. The bushes stems are covered, leaves are fine. Any idea if they can be saved? I have no clue how old or even what kind of bushes they are, I'm guessing burning bushes.

I can't tell from the picture if it's scale but I don't think it is. Get a knife and lightly scrape it. If it comes off it's not scale. If it isn't scale it's an epiphyte and a natural and harmless growth. You might try a baking soda spray to remove it. It won't fall off immediately though. If it is scale spray with Neem once every 5-7 days for 3 weeks but it still won't fall off very soon.
Usually an epiphyte only grows on dead wood but not always. If there is no green coming off of the limb anywhere I'd remove that limb. It isn't a fungus.

 

[Sheal]

Welcome Kimroset.

It looks like lichen to me and generally grows on dead or dying branches and plants but is harmless. It's also a sign of living in an area with pure/fresh air. We see it a lot here in Scotland and I have pine trees covered in it.

 

[Chuck]

Welcome Kimroset.

It looks like lichen to me and generally grows on dead or dying branches and plants but is harmless. It's also a sign of living in an area with pure/fresh air. We see it a lot here in Scotland and I have pine trees covered in it.

Exactly correct. Epiphytes don't really like polluted air although some, such as ball moss, thrive on it.