Mistletoe
By: Kevin Bassett & Russell Peters, Plant Pathologists, Certified Arborists
Mistletoe is a parasite that derives its nutrients and moisture from a host plant. Mistletoe infections, left to develop in a tree, reduce the tree’s health overtime and can lead to weakened areas in larger limbs potentially resulting in limb failure (breakage). Once the mistletoe plant matures, seeds are produced which spread throughout the tree’s canopy, causing multiple new infection sites. Mistletoe management should be directed toward the removal of entire branches or twigs infected with mistletoe. When large limbs or limbs critical to the structure of the tree are infected, the mistletoe should be removed leaving the essential limbs. However, regrowth will occur throughout the year. On average, mistletoe removal will be necessary every two to three years as part of a regular tree maintenance program. This will address regrowth of old infections as well as new infections that will constantly occur on susceptible species. The North Texas area has a number of susceptible species, many of which are growing in our residential landscapes. Cedar Elm by far is the most susceptible high value species where we see mistletoe infections. Some of the other species include American Elm, Hackberry, Mulberry, Ash and Bois D’ Arc. Winter is also a common time for new infections to occur, as birds will consume the fruit that has now matured, and deposit seeds throughout the canopies of susceptible species.
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- ‘Mistletoe, Leaves and Fruit’, Courtesy of British Wild Flower
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- Mistletoe In Your Yard
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- Invasive Mistletoe
North Central Texas has a number of susceptible species, many of which are growing in our residential landscapes. Cedar Elm is by far is the most commonly infected tree species. Other susceptible trees include American Elm, Hackberry, Mulberry, Ash, and Bois D’ Arc.
Mistletoe can be removed at anytime of the year. However, it is more visible during the dormant season, and in most cases more easily removed during this time of year.
Please contact us so one of our qualified ISA Certified Arborists may assist you in mistletoe removal.
