Dogwood tree branches

[failurebydesign]

I am thinking about getting some branches of dogwood to make a playstand from,

My boyfriend said there is probably something called "lichen" on the tree when I asked if there were mosses or funguses on them, is this bad for birds?
What is okay and not okay to be on a tree branch?

Could I just scrape them until they are bare for them to be safe? Should I do that? I know the bark would be fun to chew off but not sure if it's safe.
They are old tree's in the wood out back of our house, no pesticides or anything on them as no one even goes back there. No houses anywhere near and not close to any roads.

Thanks in advance

[LovelySydney]

When I use wood from the park around my area I wash the wood & then I bake it at 450 degrees for like, 30 minutes. This should kill any bacteria on the wood.

[failurebydesign]

The pieces are going to be too big for baking though.

I am thinking about making this, or a tall T perch