Trees with lichen disease

I first notticed a lichen that developed on a Victoria Plum tree which seemed to cover the bark of the branches eventually killing them. I firstly cut off the affected branches but tree later died anyway.This same lichen has now spread to a number of other trees, including apple trees, ash and oak trees and blackcurrant bushes.I hope there is some advice you could give as to how to protect the trees and save those now affected.