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Mistletoe removal and control

A little mistletoe does no harm, but a heavy infestation can seriously weaken branches and old apple trees. Cutting it out in late autumn and winter keeps it in check.

Dozens of mistletoe clumps growing in the bare crown of a tree in winter
Photo: James Wainscoat on Unsplash

Firms that do mistletoe removal, by town

Services are as each firm describes them on its own website. 24/7 firms are listed first; the order isn't a ranking.

Mistletoe country

Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset are the heart of British mistletoe. The orchards around Tenbury Wells are so rich in it that the town has held holly and mistletoe auctions every winter for more than a century, and calls itself the UK's mistletoe capital. Here mistletoe grows mostly on apple trees, limes, poplars and hawthorns.

Why it becomes a problem

Mistletoe is a semi-parasite. It makes some of its own food, but takes water and minerals from the host tree through a root-like structure that grows inside the branch. A few clumps are harmless. Large colonies can significantly weaken the host tree, reducing its vigour and fruiting, and branches beyond a large clump can die back. Heavy mistletoe adds to the stress on old, neglected apple trees.

How to control it

  • Cut out the whole branch section, back to a suitable side branch well below the point where the mistletoe is attached, where the branch is small enough. Snapping off only the visible clump leaves the part inside the branch, and the mistletoe regrows.
  • On the trunk or major limbs, where cutting out isn't possible, remove the clump flush every year or two. This stops it flowering and fruiting and limits its effect on the tree.
  • Work from late autumn into winter, when leaves are off and the mistletoe is easy to see, ideally before the berries ripen and birds spread the seeds to new branches.
  • Treat the whole orchard, not just one tree, or birds will reinfect it from neighbouring trees.

For plums and cherries, do any cutting in spring or summer instead, to avoid silver leaf disease.

Safety and the law

Mistletoe berries, leaves and stems are toxic if eaten, so keep cut material away from children and pets. Mistletoe isn't a protected plant, but you need the landowner's permission to cut it. If the tree has a Tree Preservation Order or is in a conservation area, cutting out branches counts as pruning, so check with the council first. Mistletoe in tall limes and poplars usually needs a climber or platform, which is work for a tree surgeon rather than a ladder job.

Questions

Does mistletoe kill trees?

Light mistletoe rarely does serious harm. A heavy infestation can significantly weaken the host, reduce fruiting and kill the branches beyond the clumps, which adds to the decline of old trees.

What is the best time of year to remove mistletoe?

Late autumn to winter, when the host tree is bare and mistletoe is easy to see, ideally before the berries ripen and are spread by birds. On plums and cherries, cut in spring or summer instead.

Can I just pull the mistletoe off?

Pulling or snapping off the clump leaves the part growing inside the branch, so it regrows. Cutting out the infested branch section below the point of attachment is the most effective fix; regular removal keeps it under control on main limbs.

Can I sell mistletoe from my trees?

Yes, mistletoe is a traditional winter crop in the area, and the Tenbury Wells auctions sell it every November and December. You need to own the trees or have the owner's permission, and any TPO or conservation area rules still apply to cutting.

Is mistletoe poisonous?

Yes, the berries, leaves and stems are toxic if eaten. Keep cut mistletoe away from children, dogs and other pets.

How to choose a tree surgeon

  • Insurance: ask to see a public liability certificate (the Arboricultural Association recommends at least £5m), and employers' liability, which is a legal requirement if they have staff.
  • Qualifications: chainsaw and climbing work should be done by people holding NPTC (City & Guilds) or Lantra certificates. Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor status is a stronger check.
  • A written quote: it should say exactly what will be cut, whether the stump is ground out, and whether waste and logs are taken away.
  • Standards: ask whether the work will follow BS 3998, the British Standard for tree work.
  • Protected trees: a good firm will check for a TPO or conservation area and can make the application. See our TPO guide.

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