As Bakersfield's deciduous trees begin to thin out over the coming weeks, something that was hidden all summer starts to show up: round green clumps sitting in the branches of ash, elm, cottonwood, and mulberry trees. That's leafy mistletoe, and it's one of the most common tree problems in the southern valley.
Mistletoe is a parasite. It sends roots into the branch and draws water and nutrients from the host tree. A few clumps won't kill a healthy tree, but a heavy infestation weakens limbs, stresses the tree during our long, hot summers, and spreads as birds carry the seeds from tree to tree.
Fall and winter are the best time to deal with it, because the clumps are easy to see and pruning is easier on the tree. Where it's practical, our crews remove infected branches well below the clump so the roots inside the wood go with it. Simply snapping off the green part usually means it grows right back.
Now that the leaves are starting to come down, have you spotted any of these green clumps in the trees on your street?
#TreeCare #Bakersfield
An authentic photo of leafy mistletoe clumps in a thinning ash, elm, or cottonwood canopy in the Bakersfield area, or a crew member pruning out an infected limb. Real job photos strongly preferred over stock.
Canva text suggestion: "That Green Clump Is Mistletoe" or "Fall Is the Time to Spot Mistletoe"