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What Side Does Moss Grow On A Tree? [Gardening Ideas]

Do you know Moss can be a perfect compass with its growth habit? Moss prefers a shady and moisture-receiving side to grow, which you can notice over a tree and rock.

Generally, Moss grows on the North-facing side of the tree that receives minimal or no sunlight either in the home garden or in forests, increasing the moisture around the part.

So stay with the article to get a clear idea of Moss’s growth and provide the preferable environment. 

Where Does Moss Grow Best?

Mosses have different growing requirements, as sun-tolerant Moss prefers alkaline soil, while typical Moss prefers acidic soil.

Meanwhile, the common condition for growing Mosses is moisture-rich, weed-free, slightly acidic (5.0-5.5) shady spots, as direct light can crunch it.

Also, the Moss is famous for its resilience to high temperatures and survival through cold drafts, making it ideal for gardeners loving an aged backyard with little work.

However, do consider moisture as the primary requirement of the Moss that will help it to thrive even in rocks, logs, or walls.

Moss growing on plane surfaces is possible because of the tiny threads for anchoring and taking nutrients and moisture.

Moreover, Mosses like sphagnum Moss are simple plants that grow anywhere with enough moisture and dampness.

The Moss is unaffected by the winter drafts and can maintain its greenery throughout the season thanks to its tolerance to harsh environments.

What Side Does Moss Grow On A Tree?

Fixing the thoughts on Moss growing in the North side can backfire if you are in a dense forest and have lost.

Moss in the earth’s northern hemisphere grows on the north side of the tree, given the damp and shady parts it holds.
A tree with moss at the bottom
Moss’s growing direction changes with the hemisphere from the equator.

However, some flowering Moss, like Spanish Moss, hangs around the Oak trees in the south by covering the border and pathway of the road but can be observed as far north as Maryland.

Also, these Mosses grow on the southern side of the tree for the canopy and shade.

Growing Mosses helps indicate the part of the tree that receives little or no sunlight as Mosses never grow on a tree’s sunny side.

Is Moss Growing On Trees Good or Bad?

Mosses prefer rough-surfaced trees to grow alongside lichens and algae as it holds onto them tighter than smooth-surfaced trees or rocks.

During the symbiotic relationship, the trees may benefit the Moss in reproduction and survival, but the Moss does not do any good nor pose any harm to their substrate.

However, the Moss extending to the canopy sometimes fights with the tree for light, obstructing the tree’s growth which is bad for the tree.

The positive thing is that the competition is not deadly and can be mutual as the Moss does not take up the nutrients or feeds off its host.

From Editorial Team

Extra Tips!

As a non-vascular plant, Moss cannot transfer water and nutrients to all parts. For survival, the rhizomes should receive their moisture.

Nevertheless, the Moss grows more vigorously at the bottom of the smooth surface tree but can reach above the tree knees in a rough patch.

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