What are those abundant stringy clumps commonly found in oak trees, crape myrtles, bald cypress and are they harmful to the trees?
It is called Spanish Moss. Spanish Moss is a slender stem-like plant that grows chain-like with tiny (inconspicuous) flowers. It thrives in a warmer, more humid climate, therefore commonly found on Florida trees.
Spanish Moss is technically not in the moss family, but is actually classified as a bromeliad that grows hanging from tree branches in full sun or partial shade. It absorbs nutrients and water from the air and rainfall, therefore also given the nickname “air plant.”
While it rarely kills the trees, it does stunt/stifle new growth on the branches and limbs. It filters out the amount of sunlight needed to make new foliage thrive, therefore stunting foliage growth. This causes branches to appear thinned out.
To remove it is strictly a personal preference, many love the aesthetic appearance of the Spanish Moss and leave well enough alone. Others, dislike it and choose to remove it.