Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that attaches to tree branches and draws water and nutrients from the host, gradually weakening it over time. The good news is that with the right approach, you can remove mistletoe and give your tree a fighting chance — but it does require some care and persistence, as mistletoe is notoriously difficult to fully eradicate.
Understanding Mistletoe in New Zealand
New Zealand has both native mistletoes (genus Peraxilla and Alepis) and the more commonly encountered introduced mistletoe (Viscum album and related species). Native mistletoes are actually threatened species and are protected under the Wildlife Act — you should never remove native mistletoe without checking with the Department of Conservation first. The mistletoe most homeowners deal with in gardens and orchards is the introduced variety, which is the focus of this guide.
Mistletoe spreads when birds eat its berries and deposit seeds onto branches. It embeds a structure called a haustorium deep into the host branch's tissue, which is why simply pulling it off rarely solves the problem permanently.
When to Remove Mistletoe
The best time to tackle mistletoe is late winter to early spring, before the plant flowers and sets seed. Removing it before it berries reduces the chance of birds spreading it further through your garden. Avoid working on trees during very wet periods, as fresh pruning cuts are more vulnerable to fungal infection in damp conditions — something to keep in mind given New Zealand's often wet winters.
Step-by-Step Removal Method
1. Assess the Infestation
Walk around your tree and identify all mistletoe clumps. Note how large they are and which branches are affected. If mistletoe has spread to the main trunk or major structural limbs, the situation is more serious and you may need professional help.
2. Gather Your Tools
You'll need:
- Sharp pruning saw or loppers (clean and sharp tools reduce damage to the tree)
- Pruning sealant (optional — see note below)
- Gloves and safety glasses
- A tarpaulin or bag to collect all cuttings
3. Prune Back the Affected Branch
The most effective removal method is to prune the entire affected branch back to the branch collar (the swollen area where it meets the parent branch). Simply cutting off the visible mistletoe clump and leaving the branch will almost always result in regrowth, because the haustorium remains embedded in the wood.
- Make clean cuts at the branch collar — do not leave stubs
- Do not cut flush with the trunk, as this damages the collar and slows healing
- Follow good pruning technique: undercut first, then cut from the top to avoid tearing bark
4. If You Can't Remove the Whole Branch
If the mistletoe is on a branch you want to keep, cut the mistletoe clump off as close to the bark as possible, then wrap the cut area tightly with black polythene or hessian to block light. This won't kill the haustorium, but it can suppress regrowth. You'll need to check and repeat this regularly.
5. Dispose of All Cuttings Carefully
Bag all mistletoe material — including berries — and put it in your general waste bin, not the green waste or compost. Mistletoe berries remain viable and can sprout if composted or left on the ground.
6. Apply Pruning Sealant (With Caution)
Opinions vary among arborists on whether to seal pruning cuts. For large cuts (over 50 mm diameter) in high-humidity areas, a pruning sealant may help reduce fungal entry. For smaller cuts, most modern arboricultural advice suggests letting the tree compartmentalise naturally. If in doubt, ask your local arborist.
Ongoing Management
Mistletoe will likely regrow from any remaining haustorium tissue, so inspect your trees every six to twelve months. Early detection makes removal much easier. Keeping your trees healthy through good watering, mulching, and fertilising also helps them resist and recover from mistletoe stress.
Safety Considerations
Working at height in trees carries real risk. If the mistletoe is high in the canopy or requires climbing, do not attempt this yourself without proper equipment and training. Falls from trees are a leading cause of serious injury in home gardens. WorkSafe NZ has clear guidance on working at height safely.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified arborist if:
- The mistletoe is high in the canopy and requires climbing or a ladder above shoulder height
- The infestation has spread to the trunk or major structural limbs
- The tree appears significantly stressed, with dieback, yellowing leaves, or poor growth
- You're unsure whether the mistletoe might be a native species (protected by law)
- The tree is large, near a structure, or near power lines — in which case, contact your lines company before any work
A qualified arborist can assess whether the tree is worth saving, carry out safe pruning at height, and advise on long-term management. You can find experienced local arborists on tradedirectory.co.nz.
For guidance on tree work near boundaries or protected trees, check with your local council, as district plans sometimes include rules around removing or pruning certain trees. MBIE Building Performance can also point you toward relevant regulations.
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