Spanish Moss on Crape Myrtle: Hand Removal + Copper Sulfate or Baking Soda Spray

Best Practice

Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is an epiphyte, not a parasite, but heavy loads shade limbs and hold moisture.

Step-by-Step Control

1. Hand-pick as much as possible (ladder, pole pruner).
2. Spray: Copper sulfate at 6 Tbsp/gallon water. Apply thoroughly while tree is dormant (winter). Repeat as needed.
3. Alternative: Baking soda spray—1 Tbsp baking soda + 2.5 Tbsp vegetable oil + 1 tsp liquid soap per gallon. Disrupts moss pH.

Timing

Winter dormancy is ideal—no leaves to block spray, less stress on tree.