Question
We live on 15 acres in Lake City, Florida (north Florida) and have an abundance of spanish moss.  One tree in particular we would like to save is a Silver Maple Tree.  It has a lot of spanish moss in it and we are afraid it will eventually kill our tree.  I know we can spray it with copper sulfate, but what is the ratio for mixing and when we do spray it, should we try to get all of it or just the most part?  We understand now (February) is the time to do it - is that true?

Answer
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.
The mixture will be printed on the container that you buy. It may not say spanish moss but use the rate for ball moss.

It should be noted that there is evidence that copper-based herbicides and fungicides may cause damage to tender growth on trees. I would spray before the leaves bud out or wait until about mid summer when the leaves are not tender. 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.