You might know mistletoe as the holiday plant we hang over doorways, but in nature, it’s a parasitic plant that attaches itself to tree branches and feeds off their nutrients and water.
Why Is Mistletoe a Problem for Trees?
Mistletoe might seem harmless at first, but over time, it weakens trees, reduces growth, and can even cause limb dieback or tree death—especially if the infestation is heavy or the tree is already stressed.
🕊️ How Mistletoe Spreads
Birds and Mistletoe Seeds
Birds eat the berries and spread the sticky seeds to new branches and trees through droppings. Once the seed lands on a suitable branch, it germinates and digs into the bark.
The Parasitic Nature of Mistletoe
Unlike vines, mistletoe actually taps into a tree’s internal system to steal water and nutrients. This drains the tree’s energy and weakens its natural defenses.
👀 Signs Your Tree Has Mistletoe
Visual Clues to Look For
- Clumps of green leaves growing along bare branches
- Growth high up in the tree, separate from the main canopy
- Looks like a dense ball of leaves
- Stays green even when the rest of the tree loses leaves
Common Trees Affected
- Oak
- Elm
- Maple
- Hackberry
- Apple
- Mesquite
Mistletoe doesn’t discriminate—it’s opportunistic.
📅 Best Time to Remove Mistletoe
Why Timing Matters
You can remove mistletoe anytime, but winter is often best. Without leaves on deciduous trees, mistletoe is easier to spot.
Dormant Season vs. Growing Season
During the dormant season, trees are less likely to suffer stress from pruning. Avoid cutting during peak growing times unless necessary.
✂️ Methods for Removing Mistletoe
Manual Pruning
This is the most common and effective approach. Cut off the mistletoe-infested branch at least 12 inches below the point of attachment. This helps eliminate embedded mistletoe roots.
Cutting the Branch
If the infestation is severe and the branch is expendable, removing the whole branch may be your best bet. Be strategic—don’t over-prune and risk the tree’s structure.
Pruning Just the Mistletoe Mass
This is a temporary solution. Cutting only the visible mistletoe won’t stop it from regrowing, but it might help reduce seed spread for a while.
🧪 Chemical Control Options
Growth Regulators
Plant growth regulators like ethephon can reduce mistletoe vigor. These are best applied when the mistletoe is actively growing.
Are Herbicides Safe?
Generally, herbicides aren’t recommended unless applied by a certified arborist. They can harm the tree if misused and don’t always kill mistletoe at the root.
♻️ Preventing Mistletoe Regrowth
Regular Monitoring
Once a tree has mistletoe, it’s more likely to get it again. Check your trees once or twice a year, especially during winter.
Tree Health and Resistance
Keep your trees healthy! Well-watered, fertilized, and pruned trees are more resilient and better at fighting off parasites.
👷 When to Call a Professional Arborist
Heavy Infestation
If over half your tree is infected, DIY removal might not be enough. A pro can assess whether removal or treatment is best—or if the tree needs to come down.
Tall or Hard-to-Reach Trees
Climbing high into the canopy can be dangerous. Arborists have the right gear and training to handle high-up or complex removals safely.
🧠 Common Myths About Mistletoe
Does It Actually Kill Trees?
Mistletoe doesn’t usually kill trees outright, but it can push a stressed or sick tree over the edge.
Is It Ever Beneficial?
In nature, mistletoe provides food for birds and insects—but in your backyard, it’s more of a pest than a benefit.
✅ Conclusion
Removing mistletoe from trees is a mix of strategy, timing, and care. Whether you’re using pruning shears or calling in the pros, the goal is the same: stop the parasite, save the tree. Stay vigilant, act early, and you’ll keep your trees happy, healthy, and mistletoe-free.
❓FAQs
1. Is mistletoe harmful to all trees?
Yes, while some trees tolerate it better than others, mistletoe is a parasite and drains any host tree over time.
2. Can I pull mistletoe off with my hands?
Not recommended. Mistletoe has roots embedded in the tree. Pulling it off doesn’t remove the root system and may damage bark.
3. How often does mistletoe come back?
If you only cut the visible parts, mistletoe can regrow within a year. Deep pruning helps delay regrowth significantly.
4. Are there mistletoe-resistant trees?
No tree is completely immune, but some are less likely to get infected. Drought-tolerant, hardy trees generally fare better.
5. Is burning mistletoe a good idea?
Only after removal and drying—never while attached to the tree. Burning is not an effective method of control.
