How to Kill Moss on Trees

Spanish moss, commonly referred to as graybeard, is not actually a moss. Rather, it is an epiphytic plant. Spanish moss does not harm the trees it grows on, nor does it remove any nutrients from the trees. If Spanish moss is not a desired effect on your trees, there are simple methods for removing it from the tree surfaces; however, Spanish moss does spread its seeds quickly, so removal measures must be consistently repeated to keep the moss from growing again.

Dilute a moss-removing chemical as instructed in the manufacturer's directions.

Place the solution in a 10-gallon pressurized sprayer.

Spray a light coating of the mixture over the entire surface of the moss. If you are removing the moss from an oak tree, be sure to spray in winter, while the tree is dormant, to prevent harm to its new growth.

Pull the moss tendrils off of the tree once they have died.

Pull off additional tendrils as you notice them popping up on the tree branches.

Spray To Kill Spanish Moss In Trees

Spanish moss, sometimes called lace lichen, droops down from the tree it grows on like a fine mesh curtain. It also thrives in warmer, more humid regions. Another suitable spray is Bordeaux mixture. of copper sulfate and 1 lb. Spray the liquid directly onto the moss around the tree, until the majority is covered and well saturated. Use a spray gun to ensure you reach as much of the tree as possible and can direct the liquid into nooks and holes. Repeat the application several times over a few weeks. While Spanish moss doesn't act as a parasite on the host tree, it can interfere with tree health when present in very large quantities.