Question
I live on a 15-acre oak hammock area in Florida. Ninety percent of the trees are oaks with a mix of what we call hickory nut trees ECT.  Our big problem is the Spanish moss has taken over almost all the trees to the point it is killing many of the trees because it has become so thick and also has the choker moss that wraps around the limbs, which the tree dies limb by limb.  It would be far to expensive to hand remove and dangerous because of the height of many of the trees. Would a cooper sulfate spray that has been recommended do the job to get rid of the moss and what damage to the environment would copper sulfate cause or is there a better solution?????
Thanks
Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

This is really not an area in which I have much experience, so you may try to ask another expert who has more background in forest ecology.  

Spanish Moss (_Tillandsia_) is a member of the bromeliad family.  The growing nature of this plant is epiphytic, i.e. it attaches to branches of existing plants (or other structures) for support and gleans the nutrients and water from the air, not from the plant to which it is attached.  The major danger in Spanish Moss growth on trees, is the added weight to the tree.  These can create "wind sails" and in high winds, the weaker trees/branches can break.  

Chemical control of Tillandsia is possible.  The following materials are licensed for control of Spanish moss and/or ball moss: TC Tribasic Copper Sulphate, Blue Shield, Basic Copper 53, Micro Flo Basic Copper 53, Micro Flo Copper 3 FL. It should be noted that there is evidence that copper-based herbicides and fungicides may cause damage to tender growth on oak trees. As with all herbicides, when using these materials read and follow label directions carefully.
Hand removal of Spanish moss is possible and can be done successfully on small trees by standing on a ladder or using a pole. For larger trees, a basket-truck or "cherry-picker" is usually necessary. The procedure is labor intensive and costly. Homeowners would be well advised to consider the ecological benefits of Spanish moss and let the plant grow unless heavy infestation is endangering the health of the tree through reduced light. In such cases, hand removal of the denser festoons coupled with judicious pruning of light-suppressed branches will usually restore the tree to a more attractive and healthier condition. Hand removal of ball moss is possible as well. Use caution, as tearing out of firmly attached clumps may damage twigs, opening the way for secondary infection by fungi or insects.


Because of the height and extensive area affected, the application of the copper sulfate products should be done by a professional.