Controlling Moss

[Chris H]

I have a corky bark elm and it has moss finding its way into its big chunky bark.
Its often shown up on the lower reaches and I just pick it off and give it a light scratch but with all the rain we have had lately it seems to have gotten a hold and its now showing up in little patches half way up the trunk which is not good. Any tips for getting rid or it before it takes over?

[Jamie]

an old soft tooth brush and a mix of some vinegar and water will do the trick mate i have even used a little dishwashing liquid and water to clean it off, just a soft tooth brush is all it is needed, the vinegar will lift it off no problem.

jamie

[shibui]

I've used Iron sulphate to kill off moss on the trunks of the bonsai. It is the active ingredient in most commercial moss control sprays and shouldn't hurt the trees if it drips into the soil as iron is often in short supply in soiless mixes like we use. The moss does keep coming back though so I'll give the vinegar another go as well.
At one Hiro workshop he talked of a 'plant medicine' to get rid of moss but his english was not good enough to give a name. Any other suggestions would be welcome by me too.