Q: Please can you advise.  I have two acers planted in the ground growing well I recently noticed what looks like a white fungus on the trunk of both and its growing up the bark.  One acer leaves are starting to curl at the end of branches not sure if related to fungus.  What do I need to get rid of the fungus?

A: Are you sure it’s a fungus, as often Acers are susceptible to scale insect in these dry warm conditions.  If it’s scale insect it would be sticky and could be treated with Provado.  If it’s a fungus I would consider that quite worrying as Acers are never the strongest growing shrubs.  Try spraying with Fungus Fighter and see whether this helps.  A picture to us could help identify which it is.