| Ball moss, Spanish moss, lichens and mistletoe are commonly found growing on shade trees in Texas. Of these, only mistletoe is classified as a parasitic plant on ornamental shade trees. Lichens, ball moss, and Spanish moss, although found on trees, are not feeding on the tree, but only using the tree for support. There's not much you can do to remove the moss aside from pulling it off the limbs and branches. There is a product called Kocide which is a copper based product that will kill the moss, but you'll still need to pull it off the branches and limbs so I usually forego the application and simply pull it out of the tree. If you decide to treat with Kocide 101, do so in the spring (February through May) and read the cautions on the label. It can permanently stain concrete and brick. |
