[jimbo2012]

I met someone today that said all oak trees R usually removed because they attract Spanish moss.

Then the Spanish moss kills the oak tree by suffocating it, I would need have the moss removed on a regular basis.

This doesn't sound right I see huge Oak 50+ feet high with moss that look great.

this sound right?

[Fourpar]

That makes no sense. Oaks are removed 'cause they're ugly when small. And folks want instant pretty (palms etc.) when they landscape.....Just my opinion.

[cathyw]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

I met someone today that said all oak trees R usually removed because they attract Spanish moss.

Then the Spanish moss kills the oak tree by suffocating it, I would need have the moss removed on a regular basis.

This doesn't sound right I see huge Oak 50+ feet high with moss that look great.

this sound right?

According to Wikipedia, spanish moss rarely kills the tree but it will lower the growth rate of the tree.
(And it looks so pretty on all the trees in TV)

Spanish moss - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Carla B]

Fourpar is right on. Oak trees grow fast and their scale, that is, size, may overwhelm our houses on the small lots. Palms are pretty and they look like the tropics, where a lot of people from the north think they have moved.

I love the moss. There used to be moss in Houston years ago but I think air pollution killed it.

[jimbo2012]

That comment was from a well known landscaper....guess he's not that knowledgeable.

The oak is only about 8-10', I like it.

[Jim 9922]

Spanish moss does not harm the tree. It takes its water and nutrients from the air, dew and rain. If I remember my high school biology class correctly, the oak is one of the very few trees on which spanish moss will grow. In fact, a dying oak will lose its moss, a sure sign that it is in trouble.

A bit of trivia learned in that same class, palm trees are not trees but belong to the grass family. Therefore there are 2 states that do not really have "state trees". I will let you guess which.

[createquilts]

we have gone to several talks put on by the county extension and that is the place to go for accurate info about plants and plant care. Many plants (including palms) that are sold in this area, including by landscapers will not survive the frosts that typically hit here each year. At one of the gardening talks I went to, not sure if it was the twice on Tuesday or extension talk they mentioned this inaccurate claim.

this florida friendly landscaping is an excellent place to start, and has lists of their plant clinics and talks

Florida Yards and Neighborhoods - Sumter County Extension Office

The Villages New Resident Workshops:

*3rd Tuesdays of the Month - 9 AM - 11 AM
*The Colony Cottage Recreation Center

this is from the sumter co website, I would check the rec news or call colony to make sure it was being held.

[duffysmom]

Originally Posted by createquilts

we have gone to several talks put on by the county extension and that is the place to go for accurate info about plants and plant care. Many plants (including palms) that are sold in this area, including by landscapers will not survive the frosts that typically hit here each year. At one of the gardening talks I went to, not sure if it was the twice on Tuesday or extension talk they mentioned this inaccurate claim.

this florida friendly landscaping is an excellent place to start, and has lists of their plant clinics and talks

Florida Yards and Neighborhoods - Sumter County Extension Office

The Villages New Resident Workshops:

*3rd Tuesdays of the Month - 9 AM - 11 AM
*The Colony Cottage Recreation Center

this is from the sumter co website, I would check the rec news or call colony to make sure it was being held.

Thank you. I'm always amazed at how generously people share information on TOTV.