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Turfgrass
![]() Insects and diseases
![]() How do I get rid of Moss?
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| Author | Topic: How do I get rid of Moss? |
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Jim Friend |
I forgot to include this in my last question. How do I get rid of moss in my yard. It is basically around some maple trees in rather large patches and seems to just pull up without any problems. IP: Logged |
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TURFTIDE Friend |
Two items you can try. Dawn Ultra dish soap at 2-3ounces per gallon of water or an iron sulphate at 6 ounces per gallon of water. watch it turn color within hours. IP: Logged |
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Burlap_Etc Friend |
quote: Hay, Burlap_Etc IP: Logged |
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basshead151@hotmail.com unregistered |
WHY!!!?? green all year, neverneeds mowing or fert., and it looks great with some nice rocks and ferns. IP: Logged |
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seed Editor |
I agree with basshead, moss is great. One of the biggest unanswered questions is, "How to grow it?" But, if you still want to get rid of it, there's a web page available to you from Cornell University: Phil IP: Logged |
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Orlando Dave unregistered |
You guys must not be from Florida. Moss is a tree's worst enemy here. There are trees all over the place that are dead or dying from spanish moss and air plants. Moss gets so heavy on some trees that you can't see through it even though it's already killed the tree. I've already lost one beautiful oak to it in my yard. I'll try the soap first, thanks for the suggestions. IP: Logged |
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DENYSE unregistered |
IS IT JUST SPRAYED ON THE LAWN, AND DO I NEED TO SEED THE LAWN IN THE SPOTS? DHARRIS@CUPHEALTH.COM
quote: IP: Logged |
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shadow1994 Friend |
The cornell U link is dead as of this post. If you read this way past post date of this then it may work. Just thot I would help ty IP: Logged |
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Buttwheat Friend |
Give him a blocking assignment, that should do it. OK sorry. That stuff might get rid of the symptom but not the problem (ie your "large patches" comment). If you have it elsewhere in the yard, it might need aerating. [This message has been edited by Buttwheat (edited 19 April 2004).] IP: Logged |
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Friar Tuck unregistered |
Moss is mostly a cultural problem,usually in a low light situation,in areas that also hold moisture.Also soils tend to be more acidic in areas where moss is prevailent. Try pruning some branches on surrounding trees to allow more light to penetrate.Also areating and raking in a bit of pros choice select may help,this will improve drainage. Add some lime to the area as well to raise the soil ph. Ferrous sulphate can also help in late may and early june when moss is activly growing IP: Logged |
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josepht Friend |
quote: I think it is safe to say that they are not talking about the same type of moss you are. They are talink about what grows in moist shady areas like on the shaded side of the house near the ac unit Thinck green stuff that will pull up in clumps But the spanish moss is neat I saw it first in Savanna they told me that people use it to make pillows out of But to answer how to control it I got this quote her from the below link http://www.weedalert.com/weed_pages/wa_moss.htm this is a great website for referances IP: Logged |
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cohiba Turfmaster |
Friartuck, I agree wholeheartedly. With one thing to add. I feel the main problem with the soils that have moss in the Calcium to Magnesium ratio within the soil is out of whack. Magnesium is overtaking the Calcium. I would(and have on atleast two occasions) add gypsum in high concentrations to the areas(After raking and pulling the moss up). The gypsum will not harm any grass that is there and will not change the soil pH. To change the soil pH you will need to add HI-CAL lime. The calcium will knock the magnesium molecule off the soil coloid and allow for better drainage. Making it harder for the moss to return. Soil tests will confirm if magnesium plays a hand in moss development. Just my two cents...... IP: Logged |
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jr unregistered |
Orlando Dave, spanish moss and ball moss absolutely does no harm to any tree. I am a certified arborist in Melbourne and I deal with this issue constantly. A tree only gets excessive spanish or ball moss growth after it is declining because of some other stress, whether it be an environmental, pest, or cultural issue, or old age. These mosses are not parasites; they simply rely on the tree for structural support, just as soil is the structural support for other plants. They are epiphytes, just like orchids, and get their water from rain, nutrients from the air, and photosynthesize. As the tree declines further, they are able to grow more and more vigorously because of the extra light they receive, but they are not the cause of the decline. At some point, usually beyond any hope of restoring the tree to good health, again because of some other factor, they do become an additional stressor to the tree because of the shade they create. However, some people just don't like the looks of it or are unwilling to accept the fact that the mosses are not a parasite, and if that is the case they are easily controlled with copper sulfate, preferably the wettable powder formulation. IP: Logged |
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lady tree doctor Friend |
Spanish Moss and Ball moss that are in trees have been causing a lot of problems for us in the tree industry. Since moss will not kill a tree I have found that one pound of moss holds two more pounds of rain water which becomes three pounds heavier on the tree or tree limb. When in abundance the spanish moss becomes a wind blocker which in turns can cause damage to the tree should a strong storm or hurricane approach. I'm a certified arborist but I have learned that being certified arborist I must also research what is beneficial as well as what can be dangerous during Florida's strong storms and hurricanes. I have noticed where there is more Spanish Moss there's less leaves and less Spanish moss more leaves especially on the ends and tops of trees. I wish not to create any debates but only show the results of years of research on moss problems. University of Fla recommends spanish moss be pulled out of Citrus and crepe myrtles to avoid the spanish moss becoming too abundant to avoid smothering of the tree. An oak limb of the size of a crepe myrtle or citrus tree can also have the same problems. Hope this helps but I do love research and know what's out there to benefit or hurt the trees. Spraying trees with four different formulas does control the moss problem(s) and I do recommend that only if the moss is too abundant for storms. I thank you for letting me put this on the forum. Claudia, Lady Tree Doctor IP: Logged |
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Darth Friend |
Claudia, lady tree expert, What four formulations do you recommend to remove / eradicate the Spanish Moss? It has taken over our oaks and without photosynthesis, the trees are dying. The stand of trees are on a lakefront setting. Thank you. Darth IP: Logged |
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johnmegrue Friend |
Did you get an answer yet? I'm having real trouble with some of my oak trees and need help. E-mail me any info you get at jmegrue@hotmail.com. Many thanks quote: IP: Logged |
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jpeg52 Friend |
I have moss growing through out my grass and it is getting into my flower bed. the Dawn Ultra/iron sulphate that was suggested to use, will it harm my plants. The moss seems to be sufficating my plants though it can be pulled up easy. I am getting really tired of this moss. HELP IP: Logged |
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Steamaster Friend |
Im laughing about the Spanish Moss comment still. Please don't bring it inside your house. Most of it contains small mites that bite and seave red bumps on your skin. You can microwave it for 30 seconds and then bring it indoors. Yes, I live in Florida. IP: Logged |
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FLGardenguy Friend |
This is late but needs to said...spanish moss isn't directly responsible for killing any tree. If you see a tree in decline and moss existed prior to this state, it will grow exponentially due to the increased rate of leaf leeching...which feeds the moss. It is not parasitic and exists on trees such as Live Oaks and Bald Cypress simply because these types of trees have a higher leeching rate than others. It can damage a tree by blocking sunlight or getting heavy enough during a rainy spell to break a limb. Trees hit by lightening and subsequently die wil have increased spanish moss production. IP: Logged |
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AMN Friend |
Thank you for the information, it wil be quite helpful. The Cornell link was only moved, I located it at http://ccesuffolk.org/assets/Horticulture-Leaflets/Lawn-Moss-Control.pdf and provides a very good discussion on options and their effects. IP: Logged |
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