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Common Parasitic Plants on Trees

Common Parasitic Plants on Trees

Trees are essential for your landscape and the environment, providing oxygen, shade, and aesthetic appeal to your surroundings.…

Jan 20,2024

Trees are essential for your landscape and the environment, providing oxygen, shade, and aesthetic appeal to your surroundings. However, they are susceptible to damage, especially from parasitic plants. Parasitic plants attach themselves to trees, draining their nutrients and weakening their health. If you suspect a problem with your trees, the Sesmas Tree Service can inspect and address the issue. Our arborists leverage extensive expertise and knowledge to ensure durable and healthy trees. Here are the common parasitic plants you should remove from trees and why it’s essential.

Common Parasitic Plants on Trees

Dodder

Dodder, also called “love vine” or “strangle weed,” is a notorious parasitic plant that can wreak havoc on trees. Because the plant doesn’t have chlorophyll, it cannot photosynthesize food. Dodder plants attach themselves to host trees to steal nutrients. If you notice a tangled orange-yellow mass, call a tree care company quickly before it smothers and weakens your tree. As it spreads, it affects growth and foliage production, risking severe damage and tree removal emergencies. We can eliminate dodder from your yard quickly to prevent health deterioration.

Oak Mistletoe

Oak mistletoe is another common parasitic plant that affects oak trees. It attaches itself to branches and draws water and nutrients from the host. While mistletoe is often associated with holiday traditions like Christmas, if you notice it on oak trees, schedule an inspection with certified tree service experts. Oak mistletoe weakens the branches, making the host tree susceptible to premature limb breakage and infection. In addition, oak mistletoe affects the overall vitality, causing stunted growth, dieback, and tree removal in severe cases. 

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Dwarf Mistletoe

Dwarf mistletoe is a parasitic plant that targets coniferous trees, such as pines and firs. Check the branches and stems for swollen growths or “witches’ brooms.” If you notice these signs on your trees, it might be time to consult a tree service professional for help. Dwarf mistletoe may not raise concerns initially, but delaying maintenance weakens the host tree and poses a severe fire hazard because of the accumulation of dead branches. In addition, the spread of this parasitic plant can negatively affect your entire landscape. 

Broomrape

Broomrape is a common parasitic plant that targets herbaceous plants and, sometimes, various tree and shrub species. Broomrape attaches itself to the host plant’s roots, drawing nutrients and water directly. While it may not be as commonly associated with trees as other parasitic plants, it can still pose a threat, especially if saplings grow in your yard. Broomrape can cause stunted growth, reduced vitality, and even death. A professional tree care company can remove broom wraps from trees, preventing long-term damage.

Parasitic plants pose a significant threat to the health and vitality of your trees. These parasites can weaken, compromise growth, and kill the host trees. Contact us at the Sesmas Tree Service for the timely removal of parasitic plants. Our certified arborists leverage innovative and proven strategies to identify and address parasitic plant infestations, safeguarding the well-being of our cherished trees. We work with you to preserve the beauty of your trees and ensure their continued contribution to our environment.

Customer Reviews

3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

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