mistletoe removal

[briscoe]

I have recently removed a large amount of mistletoe from a large lime tree. The primary reason for this was reducing the sail area of the tree which is in a very exposed location . The tree is also near pedestrian paths, property etc. I have heard that due to its parasitic nature of mistletoe in can reduce the strength of the wood and lead to branch failure and tree death.

Will cutting back the mistletoe by reduce its parasitic properties? Im assuming that taking away its leaf area will slow down its growth and requirement for taking nutrients from the tree. Its certainly had the original desired effect of reducing sail area. 

Should the whole branch be cut back to a few below the mistletoe? There is growth beyond the bundles of mistletoe and the branch was not dead. It seems a shame to have to reduce the whole tree if the branches are not dead. 

[Stubby]

So , how much are you selling it for ? ( time of year and that )

[Welsh cleaning services]

Small armfuls of mistletoe were making £50+ at the annual Holly sale in tenbury wells fortnight ago

[briscoe]

Being sold for £3 a piece or £20 for bucket full. Sold a fair bit but a bit late - would have been a small fortune a few weeks ago!

[peds]

I was at my kids' school Christmas fair on Friday, someone was selling three sticks of holly leaves for a fiver, for making wreaths and such... I'd knocked over 3 medium holly trees literally 3 hours earlier, probably totalled thousands in lost revenue. Absolutely kicking myself. 

[Ty Korrigan]

I have seen the work of an arborist who once having cut off the mistletoe, then wrapped and taped the area in tough black plastic in an effort to prevent regeneration.

I might give it a wang myself next time though only if I can reach it easily enough.

Most of the balls we cut from poplars are a metre across and  very disagreable to feed into a chipper.

[Mick Dempsey]

I know the Americans do that a bit (wrap the cut ‘root’ of the mistletoe in a tape to prevent light getting to it)

I’d just walk away.

[briscoe]

Interesting idea to wrap it to stop light getting to it. I think the American mistletoe is more parasitic than European variety. Also more toxic. If its not going to damage the tree too much it might be worth growing it and harvesting once a year to sell it

[briscoe]

Found this which offers guidance on Mistletoe removal:

https://urbanforestrysouth.org/resources/library/citations/Citation.2005-07-18.2443/fss_get/file

 

3 Methods 

1. Cutting back the mistletoe - 80 percent will grow back after a few years and roots remain totally reliant on tree for nutrients

2. Tree pruning 14 inches below infection site

3. Chemical spray with Plant Growth regulator (ethephon) . Care taken wearing knapsack sprayer whilst climbing to application site

 

 

[manco]

very slow work though, cos of all the kissing as you go.