Mistletoe - There is a Solution Newsletter
MISTLETOE - There is a Solution
Let me start by saying that current "chemical solution" way of thinking proclaims that there is no effective cure of this pretty parasite. Here’s what A&M says on their website:
Although no herbicide can kill mistletoe without harming the tree, one plant growth regulator called Ethephon, Florel Fruit Eliminator, is registered in the U.S. to control the growth of mistletoe on deciduous trees. . .
The only way to eliminate mistletoe from a tree is to prune the branch it is on. If you feel like your tree is becoming overwhelmed with the parasite, keep in mind that mistletoe takes two to three years to mature so the sooner you can remove the infected branch, then the better you minimize spread. And the smaller the branch that must be removed, then the less stress on the tree."
I agree that the Florel and other similar products work, but there is a solution that does work beautifully and successfully.
Although a toxic plant, mistletoe is a pretty parasite and useful for holiday decoration - but it's a parasite and it's a growth that is a dead giveaway that your tree is in stress.
There are no organic or chemical sprays that work to kill and control mistletoe without hurting the tree. On the other hand, it can be controlled. Mistletoe infests trees that are weak from one or more factors. Some varieties like hackberries have built-in weakness and almost always have mistletoe. Other trees such as elms and oaks develop mistletoe infestation and other parasites because of stress caused by improper planting, too much or too little water, too much or the wrong kind of fertilizer, soil compaction and the use of toxic chemical pesticides.
Here's the control plan that works. It’s called the Sick Tree Treatment. Although not essential to the solution, for cosmetic purposes the mistletoe can be pruned out of the tree. It can be put in the compost or chopped up and sprinkled on fire ant mounds. Remove infested limbs completely if it can be done without ruining the shape of the tree. Notch into large limbs that can't be removed. I used to say that this is the only place I recommend the use of pruning paint. That was a dumb recommendation. Pruning paint and toxic wound dressings should never be used. At the most, slather a little Tree Trunk Goop on the wound.
Apply the Sick Tree Treatment procedure, with the first step (and most important one) being the exposure of the trunk/root flare. All soil, mulch and plants should be removed from the flare. Existing mistletoe will dry up and turn brown and not return the next season.
It has been reported to us that the mere application of dry molasses will cause the mistletoe to fade out, but the entire procedure is the better way to go, plus it will help with issues other than parasites.
Details of the Sick Tree Treatment keep being amended and improved. Here is the latest version:
Please share this newsletter with everyone in your address book and all your friends on Facebook and Twitter to help me spread the word on organics.
Naturally yours,
Howard Garrett
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