On large trees, unless special lift equipment is available, it would be difficult to wrap the limbs. The presence of the black plastic wraps detract from the appearance of the tree. Because of the close relationship between the mistletoe's haustoria and the tree's vascular system, chemical control has not been effective. Currently no herbicide is recommended for mistletoe control. The active ingredient is an ethylene compound and is manufactured by Rhone Poulenc.
Ethylene is a natural occurring plant hormone that increases during fruit ripening.
It is labeled for several uses in production agriculture and on ornamentals. Florel is applied during the winter months. When used in the field, Florel kills the top but by late summer new growth is observed breaking through the bark of the limb. Another concern with Florel is that some plants exposed to the drift may experience leaf shedding. However, it has not killed plants exposed to spray drift.