
Winter is here, and as the leaves tontinue to fall from your trees here in our region of West Texas, you will notice clusters of green mistletoe clinging to the bare branches. While mistletoe may have a festive reputation, it’s actually a harmful plant that can weaken your trees if left untreated. At Thornton’s Tree Service, we’re here to help you keep your trees healthy and thriving through the colder months.
Why it Mistletoe a Problem?
Mistletoe is more than just a holiday decoration. It’s a hemiparasitic plant that attaches itself to the branches of trees, drawing water and nutrients away from its host. Over time, this will weaken your tree, making it more susceptible to disease, pests, and structural issues. Without intervention, mistletoe can spread and cause significant damage, especially in trees already stressed by drought or other environmental factors.
Can You Safely Remove Mistletoe?
When it comes to mistletoe removal, the goal is to eliminate the plant without harming your tree. You do need to be a little careful as it is somewhat toxic if ingested in large amounts, so make sure you remove all traces of it from the ground to keep your pets from playing with it. Here’s how we handle it:
- Remove Smaller Branches Entirely
- If mistletoe is growing on smaller branches, the best approach is to prune the branch entirely. This ensures the parasite is completely removed and prevents regrowth. Always cut at the branch collar to promote proper healing.
- Nip It Off Larger Branches
- For those larger branches where full removal isn’t an option, the mistletoe can be carefully cut off. However, this it is really just a temporary solution, as mistletoe often regrows. Regular monitoring and repeated removal may be necessary.
Is there a Chemical I Can Use to Kill Mistletoe?
Our ISA certified arborist Riley Holt says, unfortunately, there’s no spray or chemical treatment that will kill mistletoe without also harming your tree. This makes professional removal the safest and most effective option.
The Importance of Professional Tree Care
While mistletoe removal might seem straightforward, improper pruning can damage your tree and make it vulnerable to other problems. Our team at Thornton’s Tree Service has the expertise to safely and effectively remove mistletoe while preserving the health of your trees.
Schedule Your Winter Tree Care Today
Winter is the perfect time to address mistletoe and other tree care needs. With the foliage gone, it’s easier to spot and treat issues before they become major problems. Contact Thornton’s Tree Service today to schedule a free on-site consultation, and let us help you keep your trees healthy and beautiful all year long.