Auk wrote:

Samantha wrote: It does have roots, not very big though. OK, maybe i'll let it grow in a few, and see what happens. Maybe even go so far as to encourage some. Live some learn some.

How do you keep it from climbing up the trunk?

I remove it before it reaches the trunk. I have patches of moss on the soil that I reduce when they grow too large.
Sometimes I forget... and then I brush it off. As it has no roots (no, it doesn't, it has tiny threads to anchor itself. Look it up), it's fairly easy to remove - though you have to be careful not to damage the bark while cleaning it.

Why do you remove it from the trunk?

simplysaid wrote:
Why do you remove it from the trunk?

One thought: Aesthetically, the moss can hide your trunk & root system, which is something you want to see.
Another thought: Physically, it holds moisture against the trunk, which can lead to rot problems if there is deadwood.

Shouldn't be any real danger to your tree though, I have it on many of my trees.

A few links for positives & negatives:
crataegus.com/2012/07/05/the-moss-myth/
bonsaitonight.com/tag/moss/
ofbonsai.org/species-specific/accent-plantings/moss-basics

What BRKirkland wrote is pretty accurate.

Another reason:
Older trees like pines and junipers can have a 'plated' bark. These plates can be fragile.
Brushing off the moss can have as unwanted side-effect that you brush of the plates It won't hurt the tree at all, but it will not look nice. So, you should remove moss before it becomes a problem.
Also - you want to show these plates, not the moss

I've recently done it with my new Juniper project. Used a spray bottle with water and a tooth brush, and that worked out fine.

and of course.. plated bark can start to decompose, leadingbto local thinning and deformation.

I shared a picture of my Azalea and it had moss growing up the trunk. Someone commented "oh no.. there's moss on the trunk". I received the tree like this from a bonsai nursery. I just decided last night to brush it off with a cup of temped water and a tooth brush. it worked well, but am afraid it damaged the trunk. That's why I asked. My maple has moss around the base and I like the look of it.
Do most of you grow your own moss?

my trees are not displayready, and i do not have moss for this reason.

simplysaid wrote: Do most of you grow your own moss?

Sometimes I can't stop it from growing! :woohoo:

I don't grow it off to the side for future use, unless you count the areas around the yard where bits landed and flourished. For the most part, moss in my pots, either carried over from each repot, or mystically carried on the wind.

My first moss collections came from a friend's gravel driveway, because it was fine in appearance & a beautiful shade of green. Still have some. I've spotted varieties in the woods, parking lots, sidewalks, brick wall. If I like what I see, I scoop a little to take home. If it lands in the pot, it grows on its own - no additional steps needed. If you want to cultivate some, search the net, or toss it into a place in your yard you don't mind having moss - hardy stuff.

simplysaid wrote: Do most of you grow your own moss?

My moss grows itself...

I have one pot without a tree in it. The most covers the whole surface. Seems that works best - as this way it stays moist.

if you click the links in brkirkland22's post above, you can read how to cultivate it yourself..

Dominion wrote: if you click the links in brkirkland22's post above, you can read how to cultivate it yourself..

There are some myths about moss too...

"Spreading or spraying diluted yogurt, buttermilk, beer, or manure tea will promote moss to grow. True or False?

False –The key here is not what substance will create moss in an area, but what allows moss to develop. The most important things to allow mosses to develop are moisture and lack of competition. Competition can be other plants, debris, or loose and irregular surfaces. Moisture is always needed to begin moss establishment. When mosses are beginning to colonize in an area, moisture is what allows the young mosses to perform photosynthesis, which in turn allows for growth."

www.mossandstonegardens.com/blog/the-tru...spelling-moss-myths/