"Is that mossy stuff good for my tree?"

This is a great question and we hear it all the time from our clients! Sometimes trees or shrubs that lack healthy growth and vigor will have an abundance of mosses and lichen attached to the stems and branches. However, the state of decline from these plants is very likely NOT due to the presence of these Bryophytes and Epiphytes.

Moss and lichen are very special beneficial organisms. Both organisms have adapted to survive all across the planet. From the Arctic to the oceans, and from caves to jungles you will find bryophytes and epiphytes that can adapt and thrive to extreme conditions. In the Pacific Northwest we often find them on substrates such as trees and rocks, as well as on the forest floor. The wet climate and shaded forests allow for these organisms to flourish. In dry months they dry out and wait until rain falls to return in order to resume activity. Lichens specifically get a lot of attention because they truly are unique organisms. A symbiotic relationship between both green algae and ascomycete fungi allows lichens to take form in numerous shapes, sizes and colors. Most recently Tim Wheeler and colleagues have discovered a third fungus basidiomycete joining the party. In this relationship the algae provide the nutrients produced by sunlight and the fungi provide the ‘structure’ that the two can inhabit.

The benefits of these organisms can be found in perfumes, paper products, food sources for animals and humans and medicinal products for burns and cuts. Because these two organisms react to heavy particulates in the air they can be useful to monitor air quality.

Returning back to the question of if they are “good” for your tree—our opinion at Samsara Tree Care is that yes, they are! The beauty of mosses and lichens on trees adds to the diversity of colors and shapes along the architecture of the tree. These organisms pull nutrients from the air and absorb water available from the trees. At times mosses can develop in abundant amounts along the trunks and branches of trees, inhibiting dormant buds from forming, which could cause problems for developing new branches. In these cases, it may be wise to remove some of the moss present. Removing by hand or with a pressure washer (without damaging the bark) is an option if there is a significant amount of moss.

So in conclusion, we also used to be skeptical about that mossy stuff, but then it grew on us ;)