THE BAD: MISTLETOE

As the leaves fall, we begin to notice green areas in the tops of some of our trees. Red Oaks frequently have these strange growths. What we are seeing is our native Mistletoe. It is part of the Phorandendron species and not the same as the European species.

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows into the branch of the affected tree. The root like structures are call haustoria. Although our mistletoe can manufacture some of its own chlorophyll, it takes nutrients from the tree, also. It is spread by wind and by the many animals and birds that eat it.

Although we don’t like to see it on our trees, a lot of wildlife has existed for centuries with the plant and use it for various purposes. Raptors frequently use it for nesting. It serves as a larval food for butterflies, a nectar and pollen source for bees when almost nothing else is blooming, and the berries are food for small and large mammals and birds.

Since the haustoria tap into the tree, herbicides cannot be used on Mistletoe. The best way to remove it is to remove the part of the branch where it is growing. You will also have to remove about 12” of the branch toward the trunk in order to be sure you have removed all of the haustoria. If that is impractical, you can remove just the top of the mistletoe growth. It will grow back, but the pruning will prevent flowering and berry production and keep it in check. Be careful not to cut into the wood of the branch when pruning since this can leave the tree prey to other diseases. If the Mistletoe is up high in the tree, it can be dangerous and very costly to try to remove it.

Trees will survive with Mistletoe, but it can shorten the life of the tree and weaken it. If it is safe and economical, removal is suggested.