Moss lawns are trendy, but make sure that you plant the right type for your climate, foot traffic, and yard conditions. These ...

Moss seeds are very small and primarily distributed by the wind. The nooks and crannies of tree bark are ideal for capturing and sheltering these seeds as they sprout and mature.

Ball moss forms rootlike structures, “holdfasts, “ that penetrate the bark. To gain control, cut, scrape or pick the ball moss out. Prune out dead and/or weakened branches covered in moss.

Yes, experts tell us ball moss is not a parasite that feeds on trees, rather it uses branches for support while absorbing water and nutrients from the air. I’ve heard no one quibble with this ...

Lichen loves bark that gets lots of light and that can mean your tree is perhaps unhealthy because it has dropped a lot of leaves. For much more information on Spanish moss and lichens, see http ...

Healthy trees show little moss. - Slowing, aged, damaged or dying trees do not slough bark regularly, thereby creating more opportunities for moss to send seeds into bark crevices and flourish.

Lichen loves bark that gets lots of light and that can mean your tree is perhaps unhealthy because it has dropped a lot of leaves. For much more information on Spanish moss and lichens, see edis ...

Ball moss forms rootlike structures, "holdfasts," that penetrate the bark. To gain control, cut, scrape or pick the ball moss out. Prune out dead and/or weakened branches covered in moss.

Ball moss is not a true moss or a parasite, so it does not kill trees; rather, it uses the branches for support. You also may see ball moss on nonliving structures, including utility lines.

The black bark patches in trees is what distinguishes them as having the sooty bark disease. Not to be confused with lichen or moss that is often on trees and is harmless to them. Clare Grant ...