MOSS WALL MAINTENANCE - HOW TO CARE FOR A MOSS WALL
- Heidi Bekker
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
As we head into spring we are still amid low winter humidity conditions. Alberta's climate is dry outdoors which means it is usually dry indoors without integrating humidity ourselves. Considering these dry winter conditions, you might wonder how our preserved moss can thrive in low humidity and and what this means for our indoor green art.
At Forage + Design, we design commercial and residential moss walls, and both are treated slightly differently, as our residential walls can be cared for by the owner. And I don’t mean watering your wall, but rather that most residential pieces only require a light dusting by using your hair dryer on the cold setting and gently blowing off dust.
Our commercial maintenance programs require yearly dusting since there are lots more people walking past, creating more movement near the art. We put these systems in place even before installation to ensure the moss walls last well beyond their expected lifespan. Our team will take care of the "how to care for a moss wall" part so that our clients can relax and enjoy the art instead. Let's dive into how our team maintains commercial moss installations overtime.
Moss Wall Maintenance In Calgary's Winter
For some installations, we move into a monthly or bi-monthly winter conditioning schedule. This involves providing a little extra humidity by applying a non-toxic glycerine spray to help certain moss species maintain their softness throughout the winter months, when interior air can also be less humid.
For others, we build from the start maintenance programs that include yearly dusting and minor replacement moss touch-ups as the years pass. A common question we’re asked is, “How long does a moss wall last?” The quick answer is up to 10 years in optimal conditions, meaning it needs to stay out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, hot lights and cold drafts.
While the moss is preserved to last, it is still real moss. After many years of exposure to harsh elements, fluctuating humidity, and occasional touching, time does take its toll. We take all of this into consideration in our maintenance programs, performing touch-ups as needed and carefully evaluating each install location to ensure the longest possible lifespan. Not every space is ideal for this type of delicate installation.
In all the years we’ve been in business, not one wall has required a complete overhaul. And now, we’re delighted to see that in most cases only touch-ups, not full replacements are needed to maintain longevity.
How We care for the chinook winds moss wall
One moss wall we would like to introduce is located in downtown Calgary, AB, in The Ampersand building.
This project was installed in January of 2021. The installation features two sides, each with its own distinct design, while using the same moss species to create a cohesive look. Curved lines were incorporated to give each moss species its moment and to mimic wind-like movement. Multiple shades of green were used to create a visually striking design on both sides. The result is a cozy, inviting space to relax in the nearby seating areas.
Named “Chinook Winds,” the beloved installation reaches approximately 22 feet tall by 16 feet wide on each side.
From the beginning of the design planning process, maintenance and longevity were top priorities, as this type of installation represents a significant investment. A careful selection of our no-maintenance mosses was made, with the intention of limiting upkeep to simple dusting and light touch-ups as part of an annual program. Each year, a scissor lift is brought in to complete a full wall inspection.
Now, five years later, the wall is performing exceptionally well. Thanks to annual light touch-ups and dusting, it continues to look beautiful.
One observation over time has been fading in one species of moss (pole moss), along with a shift in colour. While some natural variation is expected over the years, this particular species showed more noticeable fading than the others.
This year, we began testing new moss dyes in hopes of addressing the colour fading and slowing the aging process. After creating multiple custom dye blends to achieve the right colour match, and allowing time to observe how the moss responded, it was finally time to “commence moss dye operation!” on a larger scale.
As part of the regular full-wall maintenance, the Forest Art was dusted using compressed air before the dye was carefully applied via spray bottles. And wow, we were beyond excited by the results. Not only did the colour blend beautifully with the surrounding moss species, but it also restored the wall’s original vibrancy.
Did we just extend the lifespan of “Chinook Winds”? We’ll be monitoring it closely to see how it continues to age from here. Take a look at the before and after photos of the moss wall below and see if you can see a difference in the colouring and materials!
Continued improvement in our moss wall maintenance
Installations like “Chinook Winds” remind us that moss walls are not static pieces; they are real art forms made from nature that evolve over time. With thoughtful design, careful placement, consistent maintenance, and clear communication from the very beginning about the importance of upkeep, we’ve found that moss walls can thrive well beyond their expected 10 year lifespan.
We will continue testing new techniques and refining our maintenance programs to deepen our understanding of how best to support all of our installations through Alberta’s ever-changing seasons.
Hi, I'm Heidi!
Each Forest Art creation is designed and crafted by our Chief Designer: Heidi Bekker.
Heidi is passionate about creating art that inspires wonder in our natural world, including the featured "Chinook Winds" commercial design in this blog (that she's also standing in front of in this photo!)
Learn more about Forage + Design's commercial and residential moss wall services here.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our favourite moss wall installations that we completed in 2025 here.
Comments