Leaf drop across Franklin and Williamson County is revealing round green clumps of American mistletoe high in hackberries, elms, and oaks. The plant stays green all winter, so late fall is when it becomes easiest to see. Hackberries are among the most common hosts in older Franklin neighborhoods.
Mistletoe is parasitic. It roots into the branch and draws water and nutrients from the host tree. A few clumps rarely cause serious harm, but heavy infestations can weaken limbs, cause dieback beyond the attachment point, and add stress to older or drought-affected trees.
Pulling clumps off only removes the visible growth, and it usually returns from roots left in the branch. Pruning out infected limbs offers a longer-lasting result when it fits the tree's structure. Franklin Tree Service's ISA Certified Arborist evaluates the pattern and recommends whether to prune, monitor, or leave it alone. Trees with only a few clumps can often simply be monitored over time.
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A real photo of mistletoe clumps visible in a bare or thinning hackberry, elm, or oak canopy in a Franklin-area yard, or a Franklin Tree Service climber pruning an infected limb. Authentic job photos strongly outperform stock images.
Canva text suggestion: "Those Green Clumps? That's Mistletoe" or "Leaves Drop, Mistletoe Shows Up"