mistletoe in apple trees

[nebwat]

This has probably come up before. I have been asked to prune the mistletoe out of an apple tree. What are the guidelines to pruning apple trees with mistletoe? Do you just prune the mistletoe out, or can you take the infected branches off completely? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Quercus-90]

As far as I know only way to get rid completely is prune past the infected section/limb. If you just cut it back it will just re grow. May have already seeded to other limbs ?

 

 

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[Quercus-90]

The most effective way to control mistletoe and prevent its spread is to prune out infected branches, if possible, as soon as the parasite appears. Using thinning-type pruning cuts, remove infected branches at their point of origin or back to large lateral branches. Infected branches need to be cut at least one foot below the point of mistletoe attachment in order to completely remove embedded haustoria. Done properly, limb removal for mistletoe control can maintain or even improve tree structure. Severe heading (topping) is often used to remove heavy tree infestations; however, such pruning weakens a tree’s structure, and destroys its natural form. In some cases it is best to remove severely infested trees entirely because they are usually a source of mistletoe seed.

 

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.

 

Simply cutting the mistletoe out of an infested tree each winter, even without wrapping, is better than doing nothing at all. Even though the parasite will grow back, spread is reduced because broadleaf mistletoe must be several years old before it can bloom and produce seed.

 

 

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[Ty Korrigan]

Given the price of the stuff at Xmas, can you not persuade the client to delay the work until then and find a buyer like a local florist or market trader?

Here in France its is EVERYWHERE!

It brings down branches from poplars and drains whole trees.

Ty