Everything You Wanted to Know About Moss Walls Revealed

Apr 8, 2020

Preserved moss walls are an incredible way to lighten your workplace, create pizzazz for your brand, and also to increase your employees’ well-being. Unlike living walls, preserved walls are sustainable, and do not require watering or special care. Preserved walls are virtually maintenance-free! And the best part is that they provide all the same advantages as their living wall counterparts. One of the main components of preserved walls is moss. And moss walls are trendier than ever. But since they are relatively new, we have a lot of clients asking questions. We thought we would address those moss walls inquiries here with all the FAQs you always wanted to know about preserved moss walls.

Are Preserved Moss Walls Made From the Stuff That Grows on Rock?

Yes, moss walls are actually made from a plant that we call caribou or reindeer moss. Both are of the lichen family, which is one of the most ancient plants on earth. The moss is harvested from the best sustainable sources globally. Then, they are dyed and sustained using a non-toxic, totally safe resin. We are very careful to find the best sources for growers so that we are eco-friendly and you are too.

Are Moss Walls and Living Walls the Same?

Although our moss is not technically alive, it was once living. So, no, living walls and moss walls are not quite the same. Moss is one of the most beautifully growing natural plants in nature. And we preserve it to look just as real and alive as living walls, but without all the maintenance a living wall requires.

Do Moss Walls Have to be Watered and Irrigated?

The advantages that moss walls have over living walls is that they are sustainable all on their own. You don’t have to water moss walls or worry about irrigation. There is virtually nothing that you have to care for – they maintain themselves.

Do Moss Walls Require Natural Sunlight?

Again, unlike living walls that are high-maintenance, moss walls can be placed anywhere because they do not need natural sunlight. In fact, direct light will cause them to fade, which makes them ideal for dark places that can use a little ambiance and brightening.

Do Moss Walls Cost as Much as Living Walls?

When designing a moss wall, there are a lot of things that will contribute to their price, mostly related to the design, installation, and delivery. But, overall, preserved moss walls are less expensive than living wall gardens. They are certainly less expensive to maintain and care for. The only factors that you have to be concerned with when it comes to moss walls are the humidity levels of the environment and also that they aren’t exposed to natural light.

Are Moss Walls Appropriate for any Environment?

While the short answer is that they can go pretty much anywhere, there are some exception:
  • You can’t put them near direct sunlight
  • They will not do well without the necessary moisture in the air
  • Moss walls should not be placed near air conditioning and heating vents
  • You have to avoid putting them anywhere that they can get wet
But moss walls don’t need light to grow and stay healthy. And you can put them in a dark space and they will continue to look beautiful. Once more, you can leave to go away for awhile, and when you get back, they will look just as beautiful without any upkeep.

Do Your Walls Need to be Reinforced for a Moss Wall?

Moss walls are extremely lightweight, more so than living walls. Not having to reinforce the walls or worry about the additional weight of a moss wall is a huge advantage over a living wall. And since they don’t require water, you also don’t have to worry about irrigation and the hurdles that come with a watering system.

What are Additional Benefits of Moss Walls?

One advantage that might not be as apparent is that moss walls help with noise reduction. Since noise can be a huge distraction in a workplace, they make a great addition to any space. The noise reduction coefficient ratings range anywhere from zero to one. At one, a product absorbs all sound, so the higher the NRC is, the more it reduces noise. And most moss walls rate at about a 0.7. So, hopefully we cleared up any confusion you might have about the difference between preserved moss walls versus living walls and all the advantages they provide. At Naturalist, our mission is to bring a little of the outdoors in. And also to create a healthier work environment for everyone. They are also a great conversation piece to open the lines of communication between you and your clients. Contact Naturalist to work on a design that works for you today.