Natural Ways to Get Rid of Moss on Trees

Moss Definition

• "Moss" actually refers to a group of plants that range in size and shape and are found worldwide, including in deserts, the Arctic and in woodland or dense forest areas. Mosses are nonflowering plants with simpler structures than other plant species, in part due to having no real roots and leaves that are only a few cells thick. Though mosses do not produce flowers, the shoots of some species' male reproductive organs can resemble flowers. Moss carpets also provide microhabitats for assorted invertebrate life forms, including slugs, mites, snails and spiders.

Manual Method

• Remove moss naturally from your trees using manual methods. Rip the moss from the trees by hand or use a brush to remove unwanted moss. Scrapers and rakes are another option, especially for moss that is high up in a tree, though you risk damaging the tree bark. Remove the moss manually during winter months, as this will inflict the least damage on the affected tree. Dispose of moss in trash bins. Manual removal is also recommended for shrubs affected by moss.

Power-Wash Method

• Power-wash moss out of your trees. As with manual removal, this should be performed in the winter months while the tree is dormant so the pressure of the water will not damage it. Power-washing is helpful for hard-to-reach areas that contain moss and poses little threat of damage to the tree, unlike the use of rakes. Do not use the power-wash method for most shrubs and smaller plants affected by moss, as the force of the water will damage plants and fragile shrubs, even in the wintertime.

Sunlight Method

• Use sunlight as another natural option for tree moss removal. Moss generally thrives in dense forests and damp areas that receive little sunlight. Prune trees carefully to let more light shine through to its moss-affected branches to discourage moss growth. If you choose to utilize this method, be aware of the possibility of indirect sunlight reaching moss-affected branches, which unlike direct sunlight can actually encourage moss growth.