How to Get Rid of Tree Moss Naturally: A Homeowner’s Guide

Moss growing on trees is a common sight especially in damp shady environments. While moss itself is harmless, some homeowners find it unsightly or worry about potential damage. If you wish to remove moss from trees on your property, there are several effective natural methods. With a little elbow grease and proper techniques, you can clear tree moss without the use of chemicals.

Why Remove Tree Moss?

Before diving into moss removal methods you may wonder why bother getting rid of it at all. Here are some potential reasons homeowners wish to eliminate tree moss

• Appearance – Some simply dislike the look of green moss cloaking tree trunks and branches Moss growth can appear unkempt

• Tree health – Heavy moss may become damaging. The added weight strains branches, which can break in storms. Moss also retains moisture against bark, promoting rot.

• Safety – Moss obscures potential issues like cracks, damages, and diseases. Thick moss can also hide pest problems.

• Spreading – Moss left uncontrolled can spread from tree to tree and even onto lawns, roofs, and other surfaces if conditions are right.

While moss harms trees far less than ivy and other parasitic vines, keeping it in check through removal helps maintain aesthetic appeal and vigilant tree care.

Effective Natural Moss Removal Methods

You have a few options when tackling moss removal the natural way:

Hand Removal

Physically removing moss by hand is straightforward and effective for smaller jobs. Here’s a simple process:

1. Use a ladder or work from the ground to access mossy areas. Take safety precautions when working off the ground.

2. Wearing gardening gloves, grasp clumps of moss near the base and gently pull away from the bark. The moss should strip off easily.

3. For stubborn patches, use a plastic scraper or old credit card to gently pry up edges before pulling. This helps separate the moss from bark.

4. Work methodically around the tree until all accessible moss is removed. Use a stiff brush to scrub away any remaining bits.

5. Bag and dispose of the moss debris when finished. Composting works for small amounts.

Repeat whenever new moss growth appears for easy, chemical-free removal.

Power Washing

Power washing is an efficient moss removal technique for large, heavily infested trees. The pressurized water easily strips away moss. Follow these precautions when power washing tree moss:

• Use lowest effective pressure to avoid damaging bark. Around 500-800 PSI is ideal.

• Keep the nozzle at least 3 feet from the trunk to prevent injury to the tree.

• Limit washing time to 1-2 minutes per section of trunk. Longer exposure risks damage.

• Allow the tree time to dry before resuming washing other areas.

• Sweep up and dispose of moss debris when done.

Power washing is quick but does require caution. Renting a professional-grade washer lends the best results.

Baking Soda Spray

For a non-abrasive chemical treatment, mix a solution of baking soda and water. The antifungal and desiccant (drying) properties of baking soda kill mosses on contact.

• Mix 1 cup baking soda per 1 gallon of water. Shake or stir well to dissolve.

• Transfer to a spray bottle for easy application. Thoroughly wet moss growth but avoid runoff.

• Let sit for a few days before scrubbing off dead moss with a brush. Reapply monthly to prevent regrowth.

Baking soda spray is safe for most trees. Avoid tender new growth and buds which may be damaged. Wear eye protection when spraying overhead.

Bleach Solution

While more controversial, a diluted bleach solution also destroys moss on trees. Mix a 10% solution of bleach and water and apply liberally to moss with a spray bottle or paintbrush. Scrub with a stiff brush once moss turns brown and brittle.

While effective, take precautions when using bleach:

• Never use full-strength bleach or allow runoff which can burn grass and plants.

• Avoid contact with your skin and eyes. Wear gloves, goggles, and old clothes.

• Do not spray near other plants, soil, or grass. Bleach can cause widespread damage.

• Do not use on newly planted or young trees. Bleach harms delicate tissues.

Due to risks and the availability of safer methods, bleach is best avoided for DIY moss removal.

Moss Prevention Tips

Eliminating current moss growth is only half the battle. Preventing future moss will save you repeat removal efforts. Here are helpful prevention tips:

• Prune overhanging branches to increase sunlight on the trunk. Moss thrives in shade.

• Provide 1-2 inches of mulch around trees to reduce soil moisture and humidity against the bark.

• Clean gutters and slope ground to direct water and drainage away from trees.

• Fertilize trees to promote vigor and reduce susceptibility to moss.

• Remove small amounts of moss as soon as observed to prevent spreading.

• When watering, aim low at the root zone instead of spraying the trunk and branches.

• Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for a targeted watering approach.

• Space and prune trees to encourage air flow and faster drying after rain or watering.

With diligence, addressing moss re-growth triggers reduces the need for frequent removal down the road. But when needed, the natural methods above offer safe and effective moss control for your trees.

When to Call a Professional

For severely infested or very tall trees, moss removal may exceed the reach or abilities of the average homeowner. Professional arborists have specialized tools and expertise to safely remove moss high off the ground. They can also access areas homeowners can’t reach.

Seeking professional help is recommended when:

• Moss has overtaken more than half the tree or spread to multiple adjacent trees.

• Branches with heavy moss accumulation exceed your typical pruning range.

• Power washing full trees would require tall ladders, scaffolding, or lifts to safely access.

• Large, older trees are burdened by years of moss accumulation and require restoration.

• Other concerning signs like fungal growth, dead limbs, or cracked bark exist underneath moss.

Don’t risk injury or tree damage trying to remove moss beyond your capabilities. Certified arborists have the skills and gear to restore moss-covered trees while protecting their health.

Give Your Trees a Moss-Free Future

Now that you’re armed with various natural methods for removing tree moss, you can rid your landscape of this common nuisance. The joy of eliminating moss yourself stems from saving money and avoiding chemicals. But take care not to overdo it and risk tree damage in the process.

Stay observant in keeping moss at bay once your trees are clear. And when faced with extensive overgrowth on large, mature trees, turn to a professional for assistance. In no time, you’ll have attractive, moss-free trees welcoming you home.