Killing Moss on Cork Bark Maple

plainsbonsai

I've got an old Arakawa maple that I purchased very rootbound. It had a layer of moss that started to grow from the soil's surface up to the trunk. Over time, the cork bark at the base of the trunk has began to show signs of rot from the constant moisture. This has continued even though I transplanted the tree this spring into a well draining mix that really does not promote the growth of moss. I have dabbled with a few things, first covering the base of the tree with plastic before every watering. That got very old and the moisture from the soil was still keeping the moss alive at the base of the trunk. I have attempted to scrape the moss from the base, but the bark is not strong enough to take the scraping and is coming off in pieces. Any thoughts on how to prevent further rotting?

I should add that the tree itself is in peak health, there is no rotting of the root system.

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pup

G, day. I spray with VINEGAR, it will not harm the tree. Plain malt vinegar other wise it smells it also kills of liver wort. I have used it for many years on corky bark and paperbark trees with no ill affects.

Yours in Bonsai Pup

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PUP
Advanced begginner


Heatzone USA9/10
Aus 3/4

Joanie

Vinegar works very well, don't get it on the foliage however.

Joanie

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plainsbonsai

Thanks so much for your replies. I had no idea! Malt vinegar seems to be more or less a rarity in these parts. Could another type be used? I understand I would have to deal with the smell. What exactly is the affect that the vinegar has on the bark?

Graydon

I have used a rice wine vinegar with good results. No effect on the bark except dead moss and liverwort. Note I have used it on pines with a cork bark and all was good.

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