Mistletoe plants mature in two to three years, so mechanically removing the aerial portion of the plant before it matures and produces seeds can be of some benefit. Small, infested limbs can be removed by pruning, if they can be reached. Mechanical removal of the aerial portion of the plant on large limbs may also be helpful. Removing part of the wood where the mistletoe attaches to its host should be avoided as this usually causes more damage than the mistletoe itself. Keep in mind that mechanical removal must be done repeatedly because new sprouts will grow from the mistletoe imbedded in the wood of the host tree.
Mechanical removal is suggested only if it can be done safely and economically.
In theory, covering the aerial portion of the plant with a black plastic bag would block sunlight and the plant would eventually die. However, in practice, covering the plant high in the top of a tree can be difficult and dangerous. Also, applying a herbicide to the mistletoe during the winter when the host tree has no leaves has met with limited success. However, because it is so easy to damage the host tree and other nearby plants, using a herbicide is not recommended. Enjoy it, because you probably won't be able to successfully eliminate it from your tree.