Mistletoe might bring back some of your holiday memories, but for people who have trees in their yards, it is more of a nuisance than a festive ornament. Sure, it looks nice when hung up as decoration during Christmas, but the reality becomes much less pleasant when it starts invading your trees.
Since it is technically a parasitic plant, mistletoe poses a real threat to the health of your trees, making them weaker and more prone to disease — and in the worst cases, it could even lead to tree loss over time. Below, this tree care company in Long Grove, Illinois is going to share some tips on what you should do if you notice mistletoe in your trees.
But why is mistletoe a problem for trees?
Mistletoe is a unique plant because it can make its own food with chlorophyll, but its parasitic nature means that it can also suck essential nutrients and moisture from host trees.
This sounds like a relatively harmless situation at first, but over time, mistletoe can deplete the essential water and nutrients from the trees it infests, making them more susceptible to diseases and other problems. In some cases, a mistletoe infestation can even kill the host tree.
How does mistletoe spread from tree to tree?
Mistletoe spreads around mostly thanks to birds since birds are particularly fond of eating the plant’s sticky berries and then dumping the seeds on nearby tree branches. Once those seeds land on a branch, they start to germinate and grow. Wind and squirrels can also help spread mistletoe across a wide area.
Once mistletoe successfully takes root within the branches of a tree, it can be difficult to control. If you don’t manage the infestation in time, mistletoe can grow into thick clusters that compete with the tree for vital nutrients, which makes the tree more vulnerable to problems like diseases, pests, and environmental stressors.
If you have noticed mistletoe in your trees, do not hesitate to contact a tree care company in Long Grove, Illinois that can handle the situation before it gets worse.
How to control mistletoe growth?
When handling mistletoe, you need to be proactive. The best way to control mistletoe growth is through regular pruning. If you remove it from the tree before it reaches maturity (usually within two to three years), you can stop it from spreading and producing more seeds.
Consider pruning mistletoe at least once every two years. With this maintenance schedule, you can prevent further infestations and keep your trees healthy for the long term.
Some homeowners may turn to herbicides to remove mistletoe, but that is generally not recommended. These chemicals can harm the host tree more than the mistletoe itself does. If you want to keep your tree healthy, it’s best to consult with a professional tree care company in Long Grove, Illinois.
A tree care company can recommend safer and more effective strategies to manage mistletoe infestations while making sure the health of your trees is not compromised. For example, they may recommend fertilizing, mulching, and watering to restore strength to trees that have been weakened by mistletoe.
They also have options like using defoliants in the winter when the trees are dormant, which can remove the mistletoe without harming the tree.
How to stop mistletoe from returning to your trees?
Once you have successfully removed mistletoe from your trees, you will want to keep it from coming back. Regular tree maintenance (like annual pruning and inspections) can help you detect signs of mistletoe before it becomes a problem again. Keeping your trees healthy is the best defense against parasitic plants like mistletoe.
Looking for a Tree Care Company in Long Grove, Illinois?
Have you spotted mistletoe growing in your trees, or are you not quite sure if it is there? If so, and if you’re ready to schedule an inspection with the best tree care company in Long Grove, Illinois, look no further than the team at Brown Tree Service Inc. We have been providing the best tree services to the Chicagoland suburbs for over 30 years. Contact us today to schedule a service.
