TreeHelp Product Suggestions: Florel Fruit Eliminator Spray
Mistletoe infection in a water oak. US Forest Service

Broadleaf mistletoe (Phoradendron macrophyllum) is an evergreen parasitic plant that grows on a number of landscape tree species in Southwest United States. P. villosum is a type of mistletoe which infests only oaks.

Damage

Broadleaf mistletoe absorbs both water and mineral nutrients from its host trees. Healthy trees can tolerate a few mistletoe branch infections, but individual branches may be weakened or sometimes killed. Heavily infested trees may be reduced in vigor, stunted, or even killed, especially if they are stressed by other problems such as drought or disease.

Transmission

Seeds are propagated most commonly through the fecal matter of birds who feed on the berries mistletoe produces. Some seeds are also washed down onto lower branches.

Management

For treatment of existing trees it is important to remove mistletoe before it produces seed and spreads to other limbs or trees. Mechanical control through pruning is the most effective method for removal. Growth regulators, such as Florel Fruit Eliminator Spray, also provide a degree of control with repeated applications. Severely infested trees should be removed and replaced with less susceptible species to protect surrounding trees.

Mistletoes infecting a major branch or the trunk where it cannot be pruned may be controlled by cutting off the mistletoe flush with the limb or trunk. Then wrap the area with a few layers of wide, black polyethylene to exclude light. Use twine or tape to secure the plastic to the limb, but do not wrap it too tightly or the branch may be damaged. In some tree species callus tissue will form under the plastic, further weakening the limb. Broadleaf mistletoe requires light and will die within a couple of years without it. It may be necessary to repeat this treatment, especially if the wrapping becomes detached or if the mistletoe does not die.

And, as is always important when dealing with issues that weaken, but do not kill trees outright, proper fertilization and watering will help improve the tree's health.

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