Question
I live in Tampa, Florida and have a small tree with spanish moss. The spanish moss is new and not a big invassion. I would like to spray it with copper sulfate and need to hnow 1. what spraying equipment would I need; 2. Where do I buy the copper sulfate and what % is r5ecommended; 3 would the spraying damage sod or other plants and 3. would I need masks and/or protective clothing. Thanks in advance.

Answer
The following materials are licensed for control of Spanish moss and/or ball moss: Chemical control is possible. Certain copper based products like BlueShield, TC Tribasic Copper Sulphate, Basic Copper 53, Micro-Flo, Basic Copper 53, Micro-Flor Copper 3 FL are labeled for control of both moss species. It should be noted that there is evidence that copper-based herbicides and fungicides may cause damage to tender growth on oak trees. I would spray before the leaves bud out or wait until about mid summer when the leaves are not tender. As with all herbicides, when using these materials read and follow label directions carefully.

Hand removal of Spanish moss is possible and can be done successfully on small trees by standing on a ladder or using a pole. For larger trees, a basket-truck or "cherry-picker" is usually necessary. The procedure is labor intensive and costly. Homeowners would be well advised to consider the ecological benefits of Spanish moss and let the plant grow unless heavy infestation is endangering the health of the tree through reduced light. In such cases, hand removal of the denser festoons coupled with judicious pruning of light-suppressed branches will usually restore the tree to a more attractive and healthier condition.

Copper sulfate will not harm grass.  However, the material could stain your hands and clothing, and may be caustic to metal containers.  Usually copper sulfate is recommended to be applied by a professional. The reason the copper sulfate is usually recommended to be applied by a professional is they would have the equipment to spray the solution up into large trees most homeowners would not. The moss can be picked off the tree--again if the tree is large it will take a bucket truck to get up into the foliage and these usually are for professionals but can be rented. If the trees are smaller then the homeowner can easily remove or spray the solution.

You should be able to get one of the copper sulfate compounds at a nursery/ garden type store. The amount to use and direction will be on the label. You can also check with the Local Florida Agriculture Extension service and see if they know of a source locally. They also should have some information on Spanish moss and it control. Their phone number will be in the local phone book.