Treating Mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) In Trees

Mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) is a scourge of old and stressed trees, stealing away great volumes of water and nitrogen. Understanding the American mistletoe's life cycle and its unique biological features can help prepare an appropriate response and intervention program. Left alone to reproduce and prosper, mistletoe will initiate a decline and death spiral in slower growing trees difficult to reverse. Note any specific commercial product mentioned here does not represent an endorsement nor a statement of efficaciousness, but a summary of marketplace information at the time this publication was prepared.



Early intervention is critical when dealing with mistletoe infections. The single clump or small stem visible in January on a deciduous tree may look insignificant. Any appearance of a mistletoe infection is important to note. Whenever cleaning, thinning, or reducing a tree crown, mistletoe needs to be targeted. In hazard assessment potential, branch structural losses should be assessed and mistletoe removal considered. Do not leave mistletoe in trees! Use clump density assessments to prioritize trees for mistletoe removal work, remembering apathy and procrastination lead to inoperative massive infections and increased structural failure risks for the tree.



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