Ornamental & Tree Diseases
I have mistletoe in several of my oak trees and one of my pecan trees. I understand this plant is a parasite; will it eventually kill my trees?
Although mistletoe has green leaves and manufactures part of its own food supply, it depends on a host plant (your oak and pecan trees) for water and mineral nutrients. Therefore you are correct - mistletoe is a parasite, and trees that are heavily infested by this plant for several years may be reduced in vigor, become stunted, and die (especially when subjected to drought stress, severe winter cold, construction injury, and other conditions which further weaken trees). Additional information on this parasitic plant, is contained in Mistletoe in Landscape Plants.
By the way, did you know that mistletoe is spread from infested to healthy trees by birds which ingest seed?
