Berries are produced only on mature plants. It normally takes 2-3 years for a plant to reach maturity. By removing the mistletoe plant before it reaches maturity, seed are not produced. This would reduce the spread of the plant. This approach is only effective if all property owners are willing to participate by removing mistletoe from their trees.
Trees vary in susceptibility to the parasite.
Cedar and juniper are not bothered by this plant and pecan, live oak and magnolia trees are seldom infected with mistletoe. Water oak, Spanish oak, elm and hackberry trees are frequently observed to be infested. When selecting a tree for the landscape, check with the local arborists, nursery or County Extension Agent for trees that are adapted to your area and do not have a major problem with mistletoe. It is a parasite and its presence is one more stress factor that a tree must overcome. However, it is not a plant that must be removed for most trees to survive, removal is suggested if it can done safely and economically.