Mistletoe Growing On Mature Trees & Spider Plant Tip Burn
Question:
I’ve discovered several patches of Mistletoe growing in several mature trees. How do I get rid of 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 trees. For a long time Mistletoe was limited to the foothills around the Central Valley but today it is commonly found here and it will not be long before it reaches the ocean. 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 in their droppings as the seeds are not digestible. The most practical control is to physically remove it by pruning it out. Large mature landscape trees should be pruned by an arborist to shape and to open up the canopy for better air circulation along with removing the thin and spindly branches. They should be maintained as they are an important asset to any home. Besides the obvious 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 the temperatures are above sixty degrees in February through April. The entire tree doesn't need to be sprayed, just 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 is still present after three weeks. After spraying the clusters, wash or hose off any of the spray residue on any of the plants that are under the tree(s). Both of these options will not eradicate the problem as the birds will bring the Mistletoe back. 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 nice healthy green with a white stripe through it. Can you tell me why the tips always turn brown?
Answer:
Tip burn on Spider Plants usually occurs when they’re being over watered and is the beginning stage of their decline. However, I don't think that this is your problem as the plant would never have lived this long. I suspect that the persistent tip burn is caused from the chemical elements in your water. 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.
