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Adding moss
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Author:  Bonsaibrad [ 23 Mar 2019, 12:52 ]
Post subject:  Adding moss

Hi all
Adding moss. Do you do it? Yes/ no and why?

Author:  Gary Jones [ 23 Mar 2019, 13:01 ]
Post subject:  Re: Adding moss

Very contentious - some say yes - some say no.

The yeses say it's good for keeping the upper layers of soil moist increasing root growth area and helps create a healthy natural environment. The nos say it obstructs water flow, can provide a breeding ground for unwanted bugs and hides the soil surface when checking dryness.

The aesthetics part is personal choice and even many nos add moss for shows although some don't.

The yes tends to come from the traditional japanese background and those trained or taught from that route. The nos tend to be a more western approach.

For me I always used to add it as I was originally taught by a Japanese chap. Then I swung away being more influenced by others in the UK. Now I'm back to mossing more having watched a lot of Mirai live where it's advocated. I tend not to moss on trees in early development (laziness as much as anything). For trees in pots I either fully moss or sometimes partially moss for aesthetic reasons.

Author:  daryl [ 23 Mar 2019, 13:40 ]
Post subject:  Re: Adding moss

I never add moss because it hides the soil surface which I like to be able to see to assess need for water. I don't mind it some appears and grows naturally as long as it is proper moss and not a weed pretending to be moss. The only time I add moss is on the rare occasions that I might exhibit a tree in a club show.

Author:  Penny Ann [ 23 Mar 2019, 13:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: Adding moss

I also think it depends on whether you have easy access to moss. It's everywhere in the local woods to me. I am forever coming home with a dog poo bag full of it. The dog has his own scented bags, but I also keep a supply of bigger black ones just for bonsai related foraging.

Author:  Bonsaibrad [ 23 Mar 2019, 13:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Adding moss

Thankyou, i have added some probable under 50% that way i can see the soil below. It makes the scene better but wanted to see others views.
There are alot of interesting subjects

Brad

Author:  Jay [ 23 Mar 2019, 16:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Adding moss

I think my trees look better with moss, but the birds prefer them without!

Author:  Graham W [ 23 Mar 2019, 21:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Adding moss

I only moss up a tree for showing, otherwise you can't see the surface to see if it wants watering

Graham

Author:  Bonsaibrad [ 24 Mar 2019, 08:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Adding moss

It does add some character but yes i havent fully covered the surface just abit of a patch near the rock where i would think it would be in the wild.. im leaving room so i can see the surface

Author:  oakrod [ 24 Mar 2019, 15:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: Adding moss

moss moss moss i love it every tree in a forest has moss :)

Author:  Drew [ 25 Mar 2019, 11:07 ]
Post subject:  Re: Adding moss

I also add moss, not to 100% of the surface say 70%.

When I repot I reuse the moss that was growing on the soil surface of the tree. That way I know that that type of moss can survive in that trees environment.

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