CommunityNews
Ball Moss
Scientific Name: Tillandsia recurvata Common Name: Ball moss
Growth Habits: Ball moss is an epiphyte that perches on other plants and trees. It feeds off nutrients and moisture in the air. The problem with this particular plant is density and growth. Ball moss uses tendrils to attach itself to a branch which reduces circulation to the end of the branch. Typically, it will not kill a healthy tree, but heavy infestation can kill branches and retard tree growth. Weak trees may be stressed to the point where they become more susceptible to insects or disease and will ultimately die. wildlife, causing severe damage to our lovely trees here in First Colony.
FCCSA is investing money on an annual basis to treat this problem in common areas; however, unless residents treat the trees on their property, including the street trees which are the responsibility of a homeowner, it can spread quickly and the issue will be very difficult to remedy. The best time to treat ball moss is January or February when it is cooler.
Treatment: It is best to remove as much as you can by hand and seal it in a plastic bag for disposal. DO NOT COMPOST. Control can be difficult on larger trees. For severe infestations, contact a qualified arborist for suggested treatments. Additional information on treatments can be obtained at https:// www. ballmosscontrol. org / how-to-treat. Left untreated, ball moss can easily spread via wind and
Tree on Austin Parkway; Ball moss is suffocating the tree
Sample of Ball moss; Notice the spores that spread via wind and wildlife
URGENT CARE
VCA Southwest Freeway Animal Hospital
15575 SW Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-8387 vcaswfreeway. com
© 2022 VCA Animal Hospitals Inc. VCA is a registered trademark of VCA Inc. or its affiliated companies. TM of VCA Inc. or its affiliated companies.
6 WWW. FIRSTCOLONY. ORG