Moss vs. living walls: what to choose and why

In Scottsdale, where design-forward spaces meet desert limitations, more businesses are turning to vertical greenery to bring nature inside. But when it comes to choosing between preserved moss wall art and living plant walls, understanding the differences will ensure the right choice for your space, maintenance needs, and budget.

Below, we compare preserved moss wall art (MossWallArt™) and plant walls by appearance, maintenance, light requirements, sound benefits, and cost so Scottsdale businesses can make a confident, informed choice.

Visual impact: texture vs. growth

Preserved moss wall art is made from real moss that has been sustainably harvested and preserved using non-toxic methods. These popular pieces come in rich greens and earth tones as well as brightly tinted colors. They can be shaped into logos, abstract patterns, or flowing organic compositions. Because the moss is preserved rather than alive, the appearance remains consistent over time.

Plant walls (also called living walls or green walls) use live plants that are integrated into wall-mounted or freestanding systems. These can include trailing vines and leafy tropicals. Living walls offer movement and variation, shifting slightly in appearance as plants grow and change with the seasons.

Maintenance and care requirements

Plant Solutions does not offer maintenance for Moss WallArt™ because, minus some gentle air dusting, none is required. Preserved moss does not grow, attract pests, or need light or water. As long as the space has a relative humidity of 40%, they remain soft and supple. In the winter months when humidity levels are low, the moss will dry somewhat. This is entirely normal and the moss will soften again when there is more moisture in the air. Preserved moss wall art can last up to 10 years without fading or damage. For facilities with limited staff time or unpredictable schedules, preserved moss wall art offers a hassle-free way to integrate greenery.

Plant walls, on the other hand, do require ongoing maintenance. This includes watering, fertilizing, trimming, and replacing any plants that decline. Clients with plant wall service plans receive routine visits from our horticulture technicians. They provide complete maintenance, including proactive care and replacement. When it comes to high-traffic hospitality environments, living plant walls provide the kind of movement and freshness that only natural plants can.

Light and placement

Because preserved moss wall art does not require light, it can be installed in Scottsdale offices, lobbies, or hallways that receive no natural light at all. It’s ideal for enclosed clinics, retail spaces, conference rooms, or any interior wall where plants would normally struggle to survive.

By contrast, living walls need a reliable light source. Some buildings may have ample skylights or window exposure, but if not, supplemental grow lights must be installed. Without sufficient light, the plants will become leggy or die off, which increases replacement costs and affects the visual result.

If your space doesn’t receive much light—or if you can’t invest in grow lights—preserved moss wall art is the more practical choice. For sunlit areas or well-lit lobbies, living walls bring a refreshing, ever-changing dynamic to the space.

Sound absorption and sensory benefits

Both moss wall art and plant walls offer sound-dampening benefits. The texture and density of large moss wall art pieces function similarly to sound-absorbing panels, making them a popular choice in busy environments like Scottsdale commercial spaces. Living plant walls also absorb sound, especially when built with broad-leaved or dense foliage species. They’re often preplanned with built-in irrigation systems when designing new buildings.

In terms of air quality, plant walls do have one major advantage: live plants contribute to natural air purification by removing certain VOCs (air-borne chemicals) and increasing the level of moisture in the air. Preserved moss wall art does not have this function. While it provides visual and acoustic comfort, it does not improve indoor air quality the way living systems can.

Nonetheless, preserved moss walls are just as effective in delivering biophilic benefits—the psychological and emotional support that comes from connecting with natural materials and organic forms.

Cost comparison

Preserved moss art has a lower upfront material cost per square foot than plant walls. At Plant Solutions, base pricing for MossWallArt™ starts at about $165 per square foot, depending on the materials, size, design complexity, and framing requirements. That said, the long-term cost of preserved moss wall art is lower because there are no maintenance fees.

Plant walls generally cost more upfront and require ongoing maintenance. Most clients choose to have their plant walls professionally maintained by a horticulture specialist via contract. This contract includes labor, replacement plants, and occasional repairs to irrigation or lighting components. Over a 5–10 year period, the total cost of ownership for a living plant wall can exceeds that of large moss wall art.

Which should you choose? Ultimately, it depends on your priorities:

If your Scottsdale business wants a striking green statement with zero long-term labor, preserved moss wall art is the smart investment. For those who prefer the vitality of living systems and are prepared for the maintenance investment, plant walls can offer more dynamic benefits.

At Plant Solutions, we help Scottsdale clients determine which system will meet their needs based on budget, lighting, desired aesthetics, and long-term goals. Whether you’re outfitting a high-traffic restaurant or a quiet therapy room, we offer an array of living and moss walls options to suit your space. Contact one of our designers today!