Acer Palmatum Dissectum

Hi. I have this tree, Had it for about 8 years and it has this lichen (i think) on it. I am wondering if it does any harm to the tree or whether i can just leave it.

 

I scrub the lichen off my Silver Birch trunks. Its amazing what a difference it makes to the beauty of the trunks .... but the plants don't seem to care one way or t'other

 

I do remove a lot of it when it gets really thick but if it doesn't harm the tree then thats ok. Thanks.