In and of itself, Spanish Moss does not damage trees. If you like the look of this moss, go ahead and incorporate it into your Palm Harbor landscape. If you don’t like how it looks, a tree maintenance service can remove it for you.

What Is Spanish Moss?

Spanish Moss is not really a moss. It’s a perennial herb called a bromeliad and a member of the pineapple family. Although bromeliads grow on trees and other plants, they do not eat or harm those plants and trees. Rather, they consume nutrients from plant debris and from the air. This tree moss does not have roots; it simply wraps itself around the nearest branch. It prefers to live on live oak and cypress trees, but in a pinch, it will happily attach itself wherever space is available.

How Does Spanish Moss Affect My Trees?

Spanish Moss does not harm healthy trees that receive regular maintenance. However, it does absorb moisture and it loves humidity, so sometimes the added moisture can weigh down tree branches and cause them to break off. Although too much Spanish Moss can deprive trees of sunlight and thereby reduce their growth, healthy trees grow faster than moss. If your trees are covered with Spanish Moss and showing signs of ill health, this moss is probably not to blame.

How Is It Removed From Trees?

A tree care specialist can remove the moss for you, but it will usually grow back in time. Spanish Moss grows faster on unhealthy trees, so the best way to keep it from taking over your trees is to keep your trees healthy with regular tree maintenance.

Want to learn more about how professional tree care can keep your Palm Harbor, Clearwater or Tarpon Springs trees healthy and robust? Visit Warner Tree Service or call 727-478-2864 to discover why regular tree trimming and tree pruning is the best way to tell your Florida trees that you care.