# Pulling stuff off a tree **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 5, 2018, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232 "2018-02-05T17:50:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2018, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/1 "2018-02-05T17:50:45Z")
I have a tree whose branches are covered with this mossy stuff ([Photo](http://greenwoodsoftware.com/misc/tree.jpg)). I’d like to pull it off now that the leaves have fallen. I can do it on the lower branches, although it takes a firm grip on the moss and a fair amount of force, maybe 10 pounds to pull off a handful. The problem is how to reach the upper branches. There are a lot of bushes growing right around the tree so getting a ladder up to the tree is problematic. It would be easier if there were some pole-mounted tool that I could use to pull the moss off the branches. But I’m not sure if there is such a tool that will grab the stuff firmly enough to pull it off. I tried using a pole-mounted branch pruner but the little jaw can’t really grab the moss very well, and just clips it off if I tighten it. Any ideas about what kind of tool would work here? ---
**Author:** ![jerez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c68b51/32.png) [@jerez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jerez)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2018, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/2 "2018-02-05T18:48:45Z")
Can’t tell from the photo or description what kind of height you’re dealing with. Looks/sounds like one person sitting on another’s shoulders might work. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2018, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/3 "2018-02-05T19:23:15Z")
The highest branch is about 15 feet above the ground. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2018, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/4 "2018-02-05T19:25:46Z")
Isn’t that just Spanish Moss? Why get rid of it? ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2018, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/5 "2018-02-05T19:53:50Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > Isn’t that just Spanish Moss? Why get rid of it? My thought exactly - I think it’s beautiful ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2018, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/6 "2018-02-05T20:11:26Z")
Thirding the ID of Spanish moss. Unlike ivy it won’t damage the tree, not intentionally at least (eventually the weight of it could break off branches but you’d definitely notice that before it happens), so you don’t necessarily _have_ to get rid of it. If you insist on getting rid of it, I’d just get the longest pole I could find and attach a some kind of hook to the end. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2018, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/7 "2018-02-05T20:21:10Z")
If you do for some odd reason decide to pull it off, don’t throw it away–you can sell it on Ebay. ---
**Author:** ![watchwolf49](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e9c0ed/32.png) [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2018, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/8 "2018-02-05T20:21:41Z")
[Cherry Picker](http://preview.turbosquid.com/Preview/2014/07/11__18_16_00/CherryPicker_1.jpg2b096b19-f360-4bcd-b210-cfb2a695f021Original.jpg) … ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2018, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/9 "2018-02-05T21:22:49Z")
Spanish moss (not actually a moss but a bromeliad) is not parasitic and takes all its nutrition from rain and dust in the air. It does no harm to the tree (except perhaps that very heavy growth can break branches, as has been mentioned). You may do more damage to the tree by removing it. ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2018, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/10 "2018-02-05T23:59:39Z")
This is a 14-foot pole pruner. Lowe’s sells 'em for $39.95. It looks just like the one I’ve had for years. The shears are a hook with a blade that swings in when you pull the cord. I agree with **Colibri,** though. If it is Spanish moss, let it be. Pulling it off might even be illegal, not just a crime against nature. [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Corona-14-ft-Fiberglass-Compound-Bypass-Pole-Pruner/50207761?cm\_mmc=SCE\_PLA-\_-LawnGarden-\_-Pruning-\_-50207761:Corona&CAWELAID=&kpid=50207761&CAGPSPN=pla&store\_code=1031&k\_clickID=5b04e3f1-7997-4f63-97ac-4c90a7131a2b&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnuDTBRDUARIsAL41eDrHO0MNIEFYhb01JK-onKzmBCoSN0nPbhj\_jZABdKgbSz8NYzjVmHoaAjJ2EALw\_wcB](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Corona-14-ft-Fiberglass-Compound-Bypass-Pole-Pruner/50207761?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-LawnGarden-_-Pruning-_-50207761:Corona&CAWELAID=&kpid=50207761&CAGPSPN=pla&store_code=1031&k_clickID=5b04e3f1-7997-4f63-97ac-4c90a7131a2b&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnuDTBRDUARIsAL41eDrHO0MNIEFYhb01JK-onKzmBCoSN0nPbhj_jZABdKgbSz8NYzjVmHoaAjJ2EALw_wcB) ---
**Author:** ![Twoflower](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/twoflower/32/22_2.png) [@Twoflower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Twoflower)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2018, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/11 "2018-02-06T00:31:42Z")
The “Spanish moss” in the OP’s photo is actually a lichen that masquerades under that name in California. But like it’s bromeliad namesake, it’s not harming the tree at all. ---
**Author:** ![watchwolf49](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e9c0ed/32.png) [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2018, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/12 "2018-02-06T15:37:00Z")
> [@Twoflower](#): > > The “Spanish moss” in the OP’s photo is actually a lichen that masquerades under that name in California. But like it’s bromeliad namesake, it’s not harming the tree at all. I was wondering about that … we have what looks an awful lot like that here in Western Oregon … but Spanish moss isn’t known to grow here … and the stuff that does grow here is in NO WAY a flowering plant … [later] … after a bit of hunting I’ve come up with lace lichen _Ramalina menzieslii_ … the California state lichen in fact … flaming weird-oes … what next, the banana slug as a state university mascot? … ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2018, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/13 "2018-02-06T15:50:07Z")
I’m curious as well, why do you want to get rid of it? I think the stuff is beautiful. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2018, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/14 "2018-02-06T16:02:21Z")
Thanks for all the input. This is indeed in California, so I guess it’s not Spanish moss. As to why I want to get rid of it, it’s fairly thick on some branches and they’re bending under the weight. I don’t think they’re in immediate danger of breaking, but I don’t like the situation and I don’t think it looks good. Furthermore, for about 10 months of the year this tree has thick leaves that almost completely hide the moss, so for the most part it’s irrelevant how it looks. @AskNott, I mentioned in my OP that I tried a pole pruner, very much like the one you linked to. It can’t really grab the moss firmly enough to pull it off. ---
**Author:** ![jerez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c68b51/32.png) [@jerez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jerez)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2018, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/15 "2018-02-06T18:54:45Z")
Maybe a long-handled hoe or rake (and another person). You could use a “reacher” (often used to get something down from a high shelf, for example), modifying or adapting it to the job at hand, but I doubt you’ll get the reach/grip you’re looking for. Best bet’s going to be a sturdy ladder (and another person). ETA: Seems more suitable for IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2018, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/16 "2018-02-06T20:15:06Z")
I vote for hiring an arborist. They have the equipment, tools, and safety training needed. If you go with a non-professional, don’t forget to have a bystander recording the ensuing hilarity for YouTube! ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2018, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/17 "2018-02-07T04:20:26Z")
I like purplehorseshoe’s recommendation so that the tree and surrounding shrubs won’t be damaged and you won’t get hurt. Failing that, the tool you are looking for is a high-reach garment hook or a shephard’s hook. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2018, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/18 "2018-02-07T05:26:31Z")
> [@markn\_1](#): > > Thanks for all the input. This is indeed in California, so I guess it’s not Spanish moss. In that case, it’s either [beard lichen](http://c8.alamy.com/comp/D41D4E/beard-lichens-usnea-festooning-shore-pine-pinus-contorta-in-dwarfed-D41D4E.jpg) or [lace lichen.](http://californialichens.org/state-lichen/lace-lichen/) ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2018, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/19 "2018-02-07T07:34:02Z")
Does every state in the Union have its own official lichen? ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2018, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232/20 "2018-02-07T08:07:27Z")
> [@Leo\_Bloom](#): > > Does every state in the Union have its own official lichen? Of course not. There’s no requirement that a state have any official state symbols. Some years ago when I looked, every state didn’t even have a state song (I think only NJ didn’t have one, though). And there’s some idiosyncratic symbols, where a state has a symbol no other state has. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this were one and that no other state has an official lichen. Doing a quick google, it looks like that’s the case, and it’s only been official for a couple years. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232.md?page=2)