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Spanish moss, while it is commonplace in many a southern landscape, has a reputation for having a love/hate relationship among homeowners. Simply put, some love Spanish moss and others hate it. If you are one of the haters and looking for ways to get rid of Spanish moss, then this article should help.
Tree moss can be an eyesore, covering the bark and branches of trees with a green, furry coating. While moss itself is harmless, a heavy buildup can cause issues like making trees unstable in storms. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to remove moss from trees without harming the tree.
What Causes Moss to Grow on Trees?
Moss growth on trees is very common in damp, rainy climates. The Pacific Northwest is notorious for mossy trees, thanks to abundant rainfall and overcast skies. Moss thrives in shady, moist environments. It tends to grow thicker on older trees or those with less vigor. Moss spores floating through the air land on tree bark and spread rapidly when conditions are right.
While moss won’t directly damage trees, thick layers can cause problems:
- Extra weight can make branches unstable and more likely to break in wind and ice storms.
- Moss buildup traps moisture against the bark, promoting decay.
- Thick moss can hide issues like canker diseases, cracks, and insect infestations.
- Moss smothers new buds, obstructing new growth.
- Overgrown moss is unsightly and can spread to lawns, roofs, and other surfaces.
Hand Removal
Carefully peeling off moss by hand is an easy, natural method for removing moss from trees. This works best for smaller jobs or isolated problem areas
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from scratchy moss and rough bark.
- Slowly peel off pieces of moss, starting from the outer edges. Moss attaches loosely to the surface below so it should come up easily.
- For thicker moss, gently scrape off layers using a plastic scraper or brush. Take care not to damage the tree bark.
- After removing large pieces, scrub off any remaining moss residue with a soft bristle brush.
- Check for leftover fragments and re-clean any spots you missed.
Hand removal efficiently clears moss without using chemicals. It allows you to inspect the tree and ensure the bark isn’t damaged However, it requires more physical effort and isn’t practical for removing moss from large trees
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing with an ordinary garden hose and nozzle is very effective for moss removal. The pressurized water blast knocks moss loose from the bark. Advantages of pressure washing include:
- Removes moss quickly from large areas and big trees.
- More thorough than hand removal alone.
- No chemicals required.
- Allows access to high branches.
Follow these pressure washing tips:
- Wear eye protection – moss debris flies rapidly under pressure.
- Start at the bottom and work upwards in sections.
- Keep the nozzle 5-10 feet away from the tree to avoid bark damage.
- Adjust the nozzle to a wide fan spray pattern rather than a narrow jet.
- Overlap sections to ensure full coverage.
- Rake up the fallen moss so it doesn’t reattach.
Avoid using excessively high pressure, as this can wound the tree bark. Test an inconspicuous spot first before spraying the entire tree.
Moss Killer Chemicals
Moss killing sprays containing potent chemicals like zinc, iron sulfate, or bleach can be used to remove moss from trees. Products like Moss Out work by drying out and desiccating the moss.
When using chemical moss removal:
- Select an EPA approved moss killer specifically labeled for use on trees.
- Follow all label directions carefully to avoid misuse.
- Apply on a dry, sunny day when rain isn’t expected for 48 hours.
- Spray late in the day to avoid leaf burn. The tree should be dormant.
- Avoid contact with grass, plants, roots or soil around the tree.
- Wear gloves, eye protection, and clothing to cover skin.
- Rinse off any overspray on the tree bark using a garden hose.
While commercial moss killers are powerful, improper use can seriously injure trees. Repeated use also adds chemical residue to the soil and environment. Consider safer methods first unless chemicals are absolutely needed.
Controlling Tree Moss Growth
Prevention is the best medicine when dealing with nuisance moss. Since moss thrives in damp, shaded environments, taking steps to change these conditions can halt regrowth:
Improve Sunlight Exposure
- Trim back overhanging trees and branches that cast shade on the problem tree.
- Selectively thin interior branches to create an open, spreading form that allows more light penetration.
- Prune lower branches up off the ground to reduce lower trunk shade.
Promote Drying
- Improve drainage and reduce puddles near the base of the tree.
- Cut back dense undergrowth to encourage air circulation.
- Avoid frequent, light watering which keeps the tree continually damp. Instead, deeply water trees 1-2 times per week.
- Place a 2-4 inch mulch perimeter around the tree, avoiding contact with the actual trunk.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced, slow-release tree fertilizer to improve the tree’s overall health and resistance.
- Micronutrient supplements like zinc, manganese, and iron help limit moss growth.
- Add lime if soil pH is too low. Moss prefers acidic conditions.
With diligent moss removal and followup preventive care, you can keep your trees healthy, moss-free, and looking their best. Contact a certified arborist for severe moss problems or additional tree care needs.
About Spanish Moss Control
It is important to note that while Spanish moss will not technically harm a tree, it can present a threat, in addition to being an eyesore. Trees with Spanish moss can become overly heavy when moist, which can strain branches. As a result, the branches become weakened and are more prone to breaking. There is no surefire chemical treatment to aid in Spanish moss removal.
In fact, the best way to kill the moss is to remove it as it grows by hand. Even after thorough removal, inevitably the Spanish moss may still grow back. Or it may return after being carried by birds. That being said, you can normally reduce the growth rate of Spanish moss simply by providing adequate fertilizer and water to your trees.
PETITTI How to Control Lichen On Trees
FAQ
How do you get rid of tree moss?
You can remove the moss from slimmer branches by hand, but use a power washer for the trunk and thicker branches.
Why is there moss all over my tree?
Moss grows on trees primarily for a few reasons: Moisture: Moss thrives in damp environments. Trees often provide a shaded, humid microclimate that retains moisture, making them ideal for moss growth. Light: Moss can grow in low-light conditions, which is common under the canopy of trees.
What will kill moss permanently?
Moss in lawns is a persistent issue, but the right approach can help keep it under control. Ferrous Sulphate is the fastest, most cost-effective, and most reliable lawn moss killer.
How does Dawn dish soap get rid of moss?
Tom explains this solution is most effective if you catch the moss early. He suggests mixing two ounces of dish soap (from Walmart) with a gallon of water to make a gentle solution that will kill the moss without harming your grass. It works by dehydrating moss.