Ball moss typically grows on shaded branches low and inside the trees, but it isn’t the parasite many believe it to be. It is an air plant, or epiphyte, that lives on air.

Moss on trees like this ginko tree at Wolcott Lilac Gardens in Kent, OH, is typically not harmful to the tree's health. But the extra weight on older trees could make them less stable.

Ball moss forms rootlike structures, “holdfasts, “ that penetrate the bark. To gain control, cut, scrape or pick the ball moss out. Prune out dead and/or weakened branches covered in moss.

Answer: Spanish moss and its relative, ball moss, are often of concern but normally little threat to healthy trees and shrubs. Both are epiphytes, meaning they use the limbs and trunks for support.

Pest control firms and tree services companies will apply the spray or physically remove the ball moss for a fee. Lichen is both a fungus and an algae that doesn't actually harm the tree.

A: Lime doesn’t kill or even harm existing moss. The only effective way to rid your lawn of moss is to rent a power-dethatching machine to remove the moss, then apply a moss-control product ...

Ball moss is not a true moss or a parasite, so it does not kill trees; rather, it uses the branches for support. You also may see ball moss on nonliving structures, including utility lines.

Moss is usually associated with a combination of low soil fertility, acidic soil (low pH), shade from trees and shrubs, poor drainage, or excessive irrigation.

We just moved to Jacksonville from up north and I want to know if Spanish moss is harming my oak trees. There is also some kind of gray-green moss growing on the trunks. Let’s talk about Spanish ...

Want to get rid of moss in your lawn? These steps can help control, kill native plant Mary V. Clark/Master Gardener Sun, May 25, 2025 at 4:01 AM UTC 2 min read ...