- 1). Start on a tree at a focal point in the landscape, such as the largest one or the one at the center of the yard. Spanish moss won't harm any tree. Spanish moss grows wild on oaks, pecans, bald cypress, pines and other species. It will even grow on dead trees as it requires nothing from the tree other than support. It will do best with clear access to sunlight and rain. On a tree with dense foliage, try the moss on the outer branches. Hang a strand of moss by its middle on the top of the pole and raise it into the tree.
- 2). Lift the Spanish moss above the branch and drape the strand over the branch. Set it over the branch so half of the strand hangs down on each side of the branch, the same way you hang tinsel over a Christmas tree branch. This way the branch supports the Spanish moss and it is less likely to blow off while it gets established. In time, Spanish moss attaches itself to the tree, though unlike mistletoe, it doesn't leech from the tree for nutrients.
- 3). Hang the moss on all the tree branches in easy reach, concentrating on the lower and outer areas of the tree. Hang strands 4 to 6 inches apart, if you have enough for thick coverage. To get a natural effect with a small amount of moss, space the moss strands 1 to 2 feet apart and concentrate it on the outer layer of the tree where it shows the most.
- 4). Move to the next group of branches. Continue draping moss over the branches until the tree has strands hanging on most of the branches. Go to the next tree and continue until you've added Spanish moss to all the trees you want to include.
- 5). Use the garden hose to water the moss. This will help it cling to the branches and give it nouishment. Spanish moss flowers in the spring and puts out seed pods that ride the wind. New Spanish moss will cover more of the tree and other trees nearby.
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