[jezza]

hi i have three crab apple trees with mistletoe growing in them does any one know how much should be cut each year ,mistletoe is 7 year 5 year and 2 years old all been sown have tried mistletoe growers association their web site is locked jezza

[Chrysalis]

When we had mistletoe on our apple tree (many years ago), we cut enough for ourselves - a couple of good sprays and a few bits and left it to get on with it for next year.  We also supplied my sister and  a few other families.  I think it can take quite a beating, as it's a parasitic plant.  It will find it's way!  Just don't tear it off the tree and in doing so, pull out it's umbilical cord.    I wish we had some now.... lucky you!

[Mrs Bee]

There is very little useful information about how much to cut. I have been looking myself as my bushes are big enough to give me some with berries. Even the RHS web site didn't say.

However I think they are persistent plants once they get established so I am going to cut enough for myself and friends this year. I am going to experiment too and cut some right back to the bark of the tree and see if they grow back.

With most plants in my garden I give a hard prune to the evergreens and everything else to be honest and it grows back twice as strong and bushy.