Question
For the past six months, or longer, we have seen a moss attacking the live trees in our area.  On
a trip to Spokane this past week, we found the moss on trees as far north as Grants Pass, Oregon, and we have found it south to Santa Rosa, Ca., even in the Redwood Highway area.  Watching the stuff attack our local trees...pines, cypresses,
red woods,etc., we see a few patches on a live tree and in a short time find the tree is dying.  Dead trees completely covered in the moss are seen all along Highway 1 and Highway 101.

I have spoken to the rangers in our local regional park and they are unaware of this tragedy.

The moss looks like Spanish moss, but the pieces are smaller.  We have seen none hanging in long bunches like Spanish moss that we have seen in Louisiana and Alabama.The sample I have on my desk looks like matted dog hair!  Can you give me any info?  Freda R.Noble
Gualala Ca

Answer
Freda:
I believe the first step is to get a positive identification for this plant. Consider contacting your local county agricultural Extension office or other agricultural office to start the ID process. You can also consider contacting your local garden center/nursery for an id. Persons with the forestry agencies (U.S. Forest Service or Forestry Commission)can assist.
You are welcome to send me a photo of a clump if you have access to a sample. Be sure to review it on your computer first, before sending.  The mosses that I am familiar with are not considered parasites, but epiphytes, not getting any nourishment directly harming the tree. There are seen growing directly on bark or hanging from branches like spanish moss.

Regards
Steve