Possible balsam wooly adelgid - help

[juni_tuni]

Over the past 2 years the lower branch tips (east side mostly) on my large 50-75ft fir tree have gotten swollen/gnarled and lost their needles and looks like 'gouty twigs' when I google it. It has been mildly progressive over the past 2 years. Tree gets good sun and adequate watering - has been established long before I bought the property 2 years ago.
I have cut one of the branches off and I'm concerned it may be balsam wooly adelgid from some google searches online although no fuzzy white spots have been seen.
Any thoughts or advice? Having a hard time finding a knowledgeable local arborist.

 

[Sheal]

Welcome juni_tuni.

I have zoomed in on your shots and from what I can make out I believe they are lichens growing on the tree. If you live rurally where the air is fresher lichens will grow on many trees, particularly the Conifer species. I live rurally in the Highlands of Scotland and all my trees have various kinds of lichen growing on the branches and trunks. Lichens are supposedly harmless but they will take over any dying branches on older trees.

Below is a link that may be helpful to you....

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/04/what-is-lichen-seven-types-of-lichen-found-on-trees/

 

[Tetters]

Lichen has a lot to tell you about your trees

The fungus provides support and protection plus moisture and minerals from the atmosphere.

eu.courierpostonline.com

I wonder if this link may be a help. Welcome @juni_tuni