How to Remove Mistletoe From Trees
Most people associate mistletoe with fond memories at Christmas. But this parasitic plant can threaten the health of trees in your yard. Mistletoe appears as green, leafy clumps on the branches of trees and causes harm by absorbing water and nutrients. A few clumps can go untreated, but if your deciduous tree begins to look more like an evergreen in winter, then it's time to take some action.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Pruning tools
- Trash bags
- Twine to bundle smaller branches
- Work gloves
- Saw
- Rake
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1
Wait until winter when the deciduous trees have lost all their leaves and the evergreen mistletoe is clearly visible.
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2
Identify which trees in your yard have mistletoe and the extent of the infestation.
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3
Determine if it is a do-it-yourself job or requires professional help. Contact a tree service that offers mistletoe removal services if the mistletoe is located far out of reach or covering a large portion of the tree.
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4
Purchase the necessary tools to do it yourself. Use long-handled lopping shears, saw pruners and pruners with an extension pole for reaching higher branches. A power saw may be necessary for removing larger branches.
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5
Prune infected smaller branches and remove larger limbs 1 foot below the point where the mistletoe is attached.
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6
Cut off just the mistletoe flush with the trunk on very large branches that can't be removed without damaging the tree.
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7
Gather up trimmed branches and mistletoe and remove promptly from your yard. Use twine to secure larger branches and trash bags to dispose of mistletoe.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Each winter remove mistletoe that grows back for the best control. Mistletoe that is several years old blooms and produces seeds causing a more widespread problem.
Chemical products are an alternative solution to control mistletoe. Like pruning, it should be done when the tree is dormant and is only a temporary solution.
Plant mistletoe-resistant trees in areas where mistletoe is prevalent.
Don't underestimate the job of removing trimmed debris from your yard. A little trimming can quickly yield a large pile that needs to be gathered and disposed of.
Use an insured tree service, especially when trees are located near anything that could be damaged from falling branches during the trimming process.
Mistletoe is poisonous when ingested, especially for small children and pets.
Wear gloves to prevent possible skin rash and irritation when handling mistletoe.
