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 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.

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.

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.

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 ...

Dear Reader: The old standby for moss control is 1 tablespoon of copper sulfate per gallon of water. There are also moss control products, and copper sulfate is the active ingredient.

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.

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 ...