wireme
Masterpiece
Why did you remove it?
Moss important idea to date!date!
- Thread starter sorce
- Start date
Why did you remove it?
Paradox
Imperial Masterpiece
I put it on when I repotted this spring because, in my experience, when my soil mix is new, it dries out very fast, which I don't want in the heat of summer, trying to grow new roots. A little extra moisture is ok so I put the moss on to help with that.
Fast forward to the end of September and October, it's much cooler and we are getting extended periods of rain and cloudy days. The soil stays wetter for longer and I dont want it too wet so I take the moss off.
Fast forward to the end of September and October, it's much cooler and we are getting extended periods of rain and cloudy days. The soil stays wetter for longer and I dont want it too wet so I take the moss off.
_#1_
Omono
Took Grimmi's advice and removed the moss and weeds. Was surprised by all these stuff on the surface after removing the screen.
The moss is pretty and soft. But it breaks up in clumps when I tried to take the whole thing at once.
These little grass has about 1cm delicate root. It don't seem like they would hinder a tree's growth. Not sure if it's OK to add to a grow bed.
What are these? Look like something from a reef aquarium. Doesn't seem to have any roots. I slowly pulled it right out.
All these went into those cheap rectangular plastic bonsai pot. I hope they grow!
The moss is pretty and soft. But it breaks up in clumps when I tried to take the whole thing at once.
These little grass has about 1cm delicate root. It don't seem like they would hinder a tree's growth. Not sure if it's OK to add to a grow bed.
What are these? Look like something from a reef aquarium. Doesn't seem to have any roots. I slowly pulled it right out.
All these went into those cheap rectangular plastic bonsai pot. I hope they grow!
_#1_
Omono
SO that's what it was? lol. Those will not be included in the grow bed next spring!
Funny thing is that's the only one (disk/cup thing) growing at the base. Thought it might be some sort of tree Ebola. Was afraid to touch it!
Paging Doctor M. Frary...
M. Frary
Bonsai Godzilla
Slime mould.
_#1_
Omono
Bad for tree?
CWTurner
Omono
I think that is liverwort. Usually see it in dark wet areas. Might be the same thing as slime mold?
CW
M. Frary
Bonsai Godzilla
I think they may be the same? I was told the slime mould a long time ago but now you say wort it rings a bell.
I wouldn't want it on my trees.
JudyB
Queen of the Nuts
What's the lanky growth in the middle? Is it safe to keep? And are the greens ON the root OK, or should I gently brush it off?
This is Irish moss. pull it out try to get the roots, this is the worst type of ground cover (it's not really moss) you'll have to watch for it's return and keep pulling it out.
_#1_
Omono
Liverworts! I didn't think a mesh screen can shade that much. From my Google research, they are harmless as they have no roots to rob plants of nutrients and don't really do anything but look strange. It is off the tree now.
Yes JudyB, I followed Grimmi's advice and removed everything. The good moss too. Then added about 1.5" of orchid/potting soil, and another 1.5" of mulch on top.
The tree(s) will be barerooted next spring and put in a growing bed with all new soil. Hope to not have to fight these too much next year.
Irish moss (sangina) is a freaking scourge and will quickly take over and choke up my soils. I try to eliminate it from my collection by hawk-like weeding--it spreads like wildfire--and is bad. Liverwort only forms on really old soil or really badly draining things in my environs so it's not s big problem but I always try to get rid of it. Moss is ubiquitous in my collection, managing it (thinning, removal from trunks and surface roots) it is part of yearly chores. If I let moss climb over roots too much, engulfing them, the roots start getting loose and don't clasp the soil surface firmly and don't develop mature skin--I do have plantings where I let the moss go though. Trunks covered in heavy moss lose their old bark --very bad.
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_#1_
Omono
Daily watering means moss for me can and does grow everywhere, in any soil, in any exposure, given time. Transplanting moss works too. Finer soils tend to grow moss easier. Bad water can hold off its growth off as can too much fertilizer.
ghues
Omono
In the @crust camp here.....the moss can be so attractive....you want to keep it there to add a sence of texture...beauty ....but like most things in life.....it takes work to balance it out ( the more you put into it the more you can get out)...have to keep vigilant...the removal of scotch and Irish moss that I get is always added to the weekly "to do" list.....this time of year.
The "overburdened moss" pots (2nd photo) are given the same treatment as mentioned in a previous post. Counted at least 8 different mosses(first photo)..even have the sphagnum moss/vaccinium pot (photo# 3) is place in a depression in a boulder that holds water.
The "overburdened moss" pots (2nd photo) are given the same treatment as mentioned in a previous post. Counted at least 8 different mosses(first photo)..even have the sphagnum moss/vaccinium pot (photo# 3) is place in a depression in a boulder that holds water.
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wireme
Masterpiece
I don't treat all surfaces the same, trying different things, but I this is common for me. I mix crumbled dry moss into the upper surface and let it develop over time. Summers here can be hot and dry, moss only grows for a month or so in fall but grows quickly then. No Irish moss issues yet.
Year 1, tufts appearing in fall.
Year 2 in fall tufts forming small islands, some connecting.
Year 3, maybe full coverage by now, nice and thin still, maybe starting to encroach on trunk and bark.
Year 4 if left untended, whoops, now we've got problems!
Year 1, tufts appearing in fall.
Year 2 in fall tufts forming small islands, some connecting.
Year 3, maybe full coverage by now, nice and thin still, maybe starting to encroach on trunk and bark.
Year 4 if left untended, whoops, now we've got problems!
wireme
Masterpiece
Maintenance once it becomes needed.
Pull pinches out to the surface, allows easier water penetration again.
Remove a ring around the trunk and mow the moss down to brown stubble as short as possible.
Same tree by fall, should have pulled a bit more around the trunk and mowed thinner but it's not bad, same treatment again in spring. 
Seems to be an alright way of going about things in my climate.
Sorce, how's the mossy foam idea working out?
Pull pinches out to the surface, allows easier water penetration again.
Remove a ring around the trunk and mow the moss down to brown stubble as short as possible.
Same tree by fall, should have pulled a bit more around the trunk and mowed thinner but it's not bad, same treatment again in spring. Seems to be an alright way of going about things in my climate.
Sorce, how's the mossy foam idea working out?
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
I haven't had a can of spray foam to take home yet...gotta be free you know...dirtbag certain!
I transferred a lot of moss to the yard though....and it's taking around pretty well.
I like what you ha e going there.
Sorce
wireme
Masterpiece
So the idea is a year old and we are
still waiting for a free can of foam eh?
That's some good dedicated dirtbaggery there! Commendable. The foam sounds like a right strange idea anyway doesn't make any sense to me, you should try it!
I like what I've got going on with moss, I don't know if I'll stick to that approach, trying out some of the stuff and things recommended by the pros and their students also.
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
Patience in all aspects!
Plus wire and some glue for rocks and slabs and such...
Busy all winter makes for a quick spring!
Sorce
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