moss on plants/tree trunks

[kimo wires]

does anyone know if it is harmful to plants if the trunks are covered with moss? Seems like it might keep the trunks too moist and induce rot?

[topograph]

My ohias and citrus all have moss and I have not seen any ill effects after 5 + years

[Rene Siracusa]

The moss loves to grow on my tangerine trees. When I pull it off I usually notice ants, so I think that the moss harbors them, and that it is not the moss doing damage but the ants. I usually try to keep up with moss removal - at least what I can reach from ground level.

[bananahead]

if the moss gets far up the branch where the new growth is it may slow down the growth on some types of plants... wet Ohia's naturally love the moss and fern cover, but native plants used to the dry side will not...

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save our indigenous and endemic Hawaiian Plants... learn about them, grow them, and plant them on your property, ....instead of all that invasive non-native garbage I see in most yards... aloha

[Wao nahele kane]

Some people claim its fine and in some cases it may be ok but not in all cases and certainly not when an eyesore. Zinc bands work well on some trees if placed near the top, typically palms. Pressure washing with a wide angle tip backed off works well also (Don't strip off the bark).
I recall reading a study related to soil zinc deficiency and mold/moss proliferation in some forestry study but I cant find it now. That was a couple years ago.


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