Moss not troublesome if trees are healthy

Question: Our new home site has two large oaks loaded with Spanish moss. Can the moss choke the trees?

Answer: Spanish moss and its relative, ball moss, are often of concern but normally little threat to healthy trees and shrubs. Both are epiphytes, meaning they use the limbs and trunks for support. They do not take water or nutrients from the trees and only grow attached to the bark. Both plants manufacture their own food using water and nutrients from the air and decomposing plant portions.

When tree and shrub growth slows, both mosses can begin to overpower the plantings crowding sites normally filled with foliage. At this point, the moss is damaging. Old age, diseases or cultural conditions may cause the plantings to decline and the moss flourishes. In such cases, removing some of the moss and correcting the plant problems is necessary.

Q. We have been told by our pest-control company our brown-patch lawn disease is due to an abundance of oak trees in the yard. What should we do?

A. Oak trees are not directly responsible for brown patch, a warm-weather lawn disease that turns turf a straw color in somewhat circular patterns. Oak trees may, however, help create favorable conditions for the fungus. The organism likes moist, warm growing conditions and the trees could shelter the turf from the drying sun and breezes.

Control starts by realizing brown patch, also called large patch, could be a yearly problem starting in late fall and lasting through early spring. Plan to apply a fungicide labeled for brown-patch control once in November, December and February. These treatments should help reduce or prevent the disease. Also, discontinue fertilizer applications after mid-October to help new growth mature before brown patch weather.

Q. My neighbor from Ohio who lives here November through April is frustrated trying to grow good tomatoes. Could you suggest a variety that would grow well during the winter?

A. Here is the problem the best fruit-setting time for all tomatoes is when temperatures are between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Once November arrives, there are very few good fruit-setting days left, thus tomato production time is about over until April, when temperatures are again favorable. Maybe you could be a good neighbor and add tomato transplants to your neighbor's garden in late August or September. With your good care, the plants could set their fruits and be ripening by November.

Q. I have several poinsettias left from Christmas. What is the proper way to transplant and grow them in the yard?

A. Find your saved poinsettias a sunny-to-lightly shaded location. Improve sandy soils with lots of organic matter, then add the plants. Cover the surface of the soil with an inch layer of mulch and apply a slow-release fertilizer. Most gardeners also like to cut the plants back to within 12 to 18 inches of the ground. Keep the soil moist and continue light prunings after each foot of new growth through August to have plants in bloom by December.

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Moss not troublesome if trees are healthy