Mistletoe is not always considered a lucky charm or blessing in botany. However, it is referred to as a semi-parasite and can severely affect the affected tree. For this reason, the mistletoe must be removed as quickly as possible, but still carefully.
How do you remove mistletoe effectively and gently?
To gently remove mistletoe, use a sharp tool such as a hand saw or secateurs and cut the growth between November and April. Regular checks and cuts prevent the mistletoe from spreading again and protect the affected tree.
How can mistletoe be removed?
In order to remove the mistletoe thoroughly and gently, you should use asharp tool. The plant should under no circumstances be torn down, as this can seriously damage the bark of the host tree. You can easily cut off the mistletoe with a small hand saw (€24.00 on Amazon) or sharp secateurs. Harvesting should take place either in November-December or March-April. If the mistletoe is to be removed permanently, the affected trees should be cleared of the infestation at regular intervals.
Why should mistletoe be removed?
Since mistletoe is referred to ashalf-parasite, they are particularly disliked on fruit trees. The shrub-like plant ultimately deprives its host tree of nutrients that are necessary for the tree's he althy growth. The mistletoe develops a kind of tube with a final suction disk. This tube penetrates into the interior of the tree and thus removes the important nutrients. Since the infestation usually affects already weakened trees, this can endanger the survival of the affected host tree.
From which trees should the mistletoe be removed immediately?
A mistletoe infestation can basically affect all types of trees. However, the shrub-like semi-parasite is particularly often found ondeciduous and fruit trees. Among the fruit trees, the apple tree is considered to be extremely preferred. For this reason, an extremely considerable population of mistletoe can usually be found in orchards. Slightly damaged fruit trees are very often affected because the mistletoe can easily access the host tree's nutrients. However, the semi-parasite not only weakens the fruit tree, but also its fruits.
Tip
Removing the mistletoe regularly helps the tree
If the tree needs to be permanently freed from mistletoe, regular inspection is essential. Furthermore, new shoots must be cut off immediately so that the mistletoe does not spread further. Therefore, cut the mistletoe as close as possible to the trunk of the host tree. However, the tree bark should not be damaged.
