Question:
I've discovered several patches of Mistletoe growing in several mature trees. How do I eliminate it since I've read that it's harmful?Answer:
- Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that lives off another plant or host to survive. Bringing Mistletoe under control is very important to the overall vigor of the trees. For a long time,
- Mistletoe was limited to the foothills around the Central Valley, but today it is commonly found here and will not be long before it reaches the coast.
- Birds are the primary reason for the spread of the problem as they nest or rest high up in the canopy of trees away from any predator. The white Mistletoe berries contain many sticky seeds. The birds carry the seeds from tree to tree on their feet, beaks, and droppings, as they are not digestible.
- The most practical control is to physically remove it by pruning it out. An arborist should prune large mature landscape trees to shape and open the canopy for better air circulation and remove the thin and spindly branches.
- They should be maintained as they are an essential asset to any home. Besides the apparent benefits, people overlook the resale value they add to the property. So, it's money well spent because of the return, just like a new roof, solar panels, painting, or interior upgrades.
- The second option is to spray it with Florel from Monterey Lawn and Garden. Florel is the only product registered for controlling Mistletoe and is a plant growth regulator.
- It has no insecticidal, fungicidal, or herbicidal properties, so it's environmentally friendly. It's best applied when temperatures exceed sixty degrees from February through April.
- The entire tree doesn't need to be sprayed; saturate the Mistletoe clusters
- In five to seven days, the Mistletoe should begin to shed its leaves and branches.
- A second application is only necessary if Mistletoe remains present after three weeks.
- After spraying the clusters, wash or hose off any of the spray residues on any plants under the tree(s).
- Both options will not eradicate the problem as the birds will return the Mistletoe. Thus, you'll have to repeat your control as necessary.
Question:
I have a typical spider plant that is now ten years old. The tips of the leaves always turn brown. The rest of each leaf is a lovely, healthy green with a white stripe. Can you tell me why the tips always turn brown?Answer:
- Tip burn on Spider Plants usually occurs when they're over-watered and is the beginning stage of their decline.
- However, I don't think this is your problem as the plant would never have lived this long. I suspect that the chemical elements in your water cause the persistent tip burn. They collect at the Tip or edge of a leaf during evaporation. I'd try watering your plant with distilled or bottled water.
- You know you're on the right track when the tip burn disappears with the new growth.