Ball moss

Several days ago a friend called to tell me she was somewhat concerned about all the ball moss growing on some trees in Woodcreek. I told her that I really did not know that much about ball moss, but I would look it up and see what I could learn.

Well, I learned a lot. Truth is, I had always thought ball moss was a real nuisance, invasive, undesirable and not really to be tolerated. Come to find out, some people really do like it as they feel it adds character to the trees and the hill country.

Here are a few of the things I learned and I am going to quote one full paragraph from an article on Ball moss that was written by William Crow, Extension Plant Pathologist with The Texas A&M Uni System:

“Homeowners do not need to become concerned at seeing prolific growth of ball moss on a declining tree. Ball moss is not “killing the tree.” Ball moss is not a parasite and it does not take nutrients from the tree on which it is growing.” The author further states that “The decision to control ball moss depends on the homeowner’s personal taste and whether or not control warrants the effort and expense.”

He further states that if removal is desired that one way to manage it is by “mechanical removal” which “can be done manually or with a high pressure water spray.” Obviously, if this is done, one must use appropriate safety precautions .

So, whether or not ball moss is left on a tree or not, it is the homeowner’s decision but just know that it is not causing any real harm to the tree.

Written by Martha Knies