QuestionI live on the west coast of north central Fl. I have nothing against the Spanish moss, it is however out of control on some of my trees. Growing in huge clumps it gets wet and breaks off the lower branches. It is so thick in spots that the new shoots in the spring cannot grow. When nothing grows the branch dies and the weight of the moss breaks the branch. I can hand remove only so much. I have read that the copper sulfate will kill the moss. What mixture do I use and which brand. I know I will not get rid of it all, nor do I wish to. I want to give the lower branches on the oaks and Cyprus a chance. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Answerthe following materials are licensed for control of Spanish moss and/or ball moss: TC Tribasic Copper Sulphate, Blue Shield, Basic Copper 53, Micro Flo Basic Copper 53, Micro Flo Copper 3 FL. 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.
