We have been advised to remove the mistletoes from our gum trees because the trees will eventually die. What do you think?
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I.N. Elaine.
Although mistletoes are parasitic, they do not kill their host tree unless they are in large numbers. It is not in a mistletoe’s interest to kill its host plant, otherwise it too would die.
A healthy tree can cope with several of these parasitic plants, although a tree is usually weakened by a dozen or more. A tree’s access to water and nutrients would affect the number of mistletoes it can support.
Mistletoes are now regarded as positive, benefitting birds, mammals, insects and the environment in general. They should be retained unless they are clearly having a negative affect on a favourite tree.
- Questions and photos are welcome. Send to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au
