Alasdair

I allow moss to grow on the surface of my trees' soils. It does this itself and can rapidly form a lush green carpet. Instead of fighting back i just let it do what it does. And i find it very helpful at keeping the soil moist during hot weather. Granted, water doesn't soak in as well as on bare soil, but i water by submerging and letting the water in through the drainage holes so i have no problem. Then, when i get heavy rain the moss does help reduce the amount of rain soaking in and waterlogging the soil. I have little time to develop my own soil mix so i use pre packaged stuff with a bit extra grit. not the best but my trees cope.

This is my example and it works for me.

Al

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I can feel another "I wish that was my tree" moment coming on...
Currently studying BSc Plant Biology at the Universty of Wales, Aberystwyth