How to Kill Spanish Moss
Spanish moss is a bromeliad plant that grows around trees, particularly oaks, and grows well in areas with cool air. The moss is also commonly used by birds to line their nests. The moss can continue to grow all around tree and on branches. One common concern is with how heavy the moss can become when moist, thus putting much strain on branches. The moss can't damage a tree, but is often thought of as an eyesore to some homeowners. The best way to kill the moss is to maintain it and remove it as it grows. Once the moss is removed, it dies because it no longer has any moisture to keep it alive. Also, you should always start by trying to kill the moss naturally before using chemicals. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Pluck out the Spanish moss by hand. Make sure to wear rubber gloves and remove all of the Spanish moss around the tree. Dispose of the dead moss in garbage bags.
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Use small gardening shears to loosen the moss if it is wrapped tightly to your tree. Once the moss is loose you should be able to pull off in chunks.
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Purchase plastic plant stakes that are at least 5 feet tall from your local garden store. Use enough stakes that you can overlap them around your tree. Stick the stakes in the soil around your tree before any moss grows.
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Wait until the moss grows and reaches the tops of your stakes. Pull out all of the stakes one at a time and the moss will easily be pulled out. If there is any remaining moss near the trunk of the tree you should be able to easily pull it out using your hands.
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Use a copper-based chemical spray to kill the moss for extreme cases or if you could not remove the moss as it grew. Apply the spray as directed on the label, making sure not to spray branches or leaves on your tree.
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