Can Moss Kill a Tree?

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated November 17, 2017)

Can moss kill a tree? The simple answer to the question is no, not really. However, there is a more complicated answer than just that. The reason for this is that Spanish moss (the most common type of moss that grows on trees) does have an affinity for trees that are already dying. Before you get all scared that you will need to get rid of your tree, there are a few things you can do to tell whether or not you have Spanish moss, and whether or not your tree is in danger.

What is Spanish moss?

Simply put, Spanish moss is not a plant that will endanger your trees. It is not a pest, it is not invasive, and it is not a parasite. Rather, it is what is known as am "air plant" which means that it doesn't take any nutrients from the tree itself. Instead it gets all of the nutrients that it will ever need from the air that surrounds it.

When to worry about moss

While Spanish moss may not, in and of itself, be an immediate threat to your trees there can come a time when it can cause harm to them. Usually this is when the moss becomes too abundant, and end up preventing sunlight from reaching the tree or overburdening the branches and causing them to break. If you feel that you are faced with some overgrown patches, simply use a rake to remove it.

How to remove Spanish moss

  1. Measure to the moss. Before you can begin removing the Spanish moss, you need to know how high it goes on your tree. Be as accurate as possible, but if you can only do a rough estimate, then that will work. Write this figure down and take it with you to your local home improvement store.
  2. Make a long pole. Purchase several poles that are about five feet in length from your local home improvement store. Overlap each of the poles by about 1-1/2 feet at each end until you reach the desired length to match the height you wrote down before. Using some rope, or better yet duct tape, connect each overlapping section so that it is nice and secure.
  3. Attach some hooks. At one end of the pole attach either a rake head or some blunt hooks. Be sure that you secure it nice and tight to ensure that it doesn't come loose while you are removing the moss.
  4. Spin and pull. Raise the pole with the hook pointed towards the moss. Don't worry if the pole you made is a little wobbly, it should be strong enough to do the job. Latch the hook into the moss and then twist it around a couple of times, like spaghetti on a fork. Pull down on the moss, and you should see it come away with no problem. Dispose of the moss either in the garbage or place it into your compost bin. Continue to do this until you have removed all of the moss that you want from the tree.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Wine Labels

Understanding wine labels can be a somewhat tricky proposition for those who don't spend a whole lot of time around wine. ...

Discover More

Using a Countertop Deep Fryer

If you are thinking about purchasing a countertop deep fryer, make sure that you know what to do. While using a ...

Discover More

Storing Paint Properly

Paint is a rather unique product. Not only is it expensive, but if it isn't stored properly you can face all kinds of ...

Discover More
More Gardening Tips

How to Transplant a Tree

Transplanting a tree is a little more involved that digging a hole and plopping it in. A few extra considerations come ...

Discover More

Caring for Kwanzan Cherry Trees

Have you ever been to Washington, D.C., New York City's Central Park, or even to Japan? If so, then chances are you have ...

Discover More

How to Cut Down a Tree

No matter how well you take care of the trees around your yard, there will come a time when you find yourself needing to ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured gardening tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 2 + 8?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured gardening tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)