Trunk infections are not as detrimental as branch infections, so their removal is not necessary. If space allows, create 50-foot buffer zones between infected trees and healthy trees by cutting or by planting resistant trees. Contact a professional forester, the Colorado State Forest Service, or other professionals to obtain help in these decisions. Plant Resistant Trees in Heavily Infected Areas Plant resistant trees under infected trees to replace trees when infected trees are removed. Site and moisture availability will determine what trees can be planted.
Scotch pine is susceptible to both ponderosa and lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe.
Replant to Douglas-fir, white fir, blue spruce, pinon pine, limber pine, Rocky Mountain juniper, bristlecone pine, gambel oak and pea shrub. Replant to Englemann spruce, subalpine fir, Douglas-fir, bristlecone pine and limber pine. Replant to aspen, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine and Englemann spruce. Hardwoods, such as ash, birch and aspen, also can be planted in affected areas because dwarf mistletoes do not attack hardwood trees. Ethephon sprays remove some mistletoe shoots and reduce seed production for one to three years.