Mistletoe endangers fruit trees: pruning recommended
To protect orchards in the southwest, the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (Nabu) has advised people to cut mistletoe from fruit trees. The mistletoe, which can pose a threat to the trees, is also suitable as an Advent decoration, Nabu Baden-Württemberg announced in Stuttgart on Monday.
If it is not removed, the mistletoe grows its roots deep into the wood of the trees. It is therefore important to react early and reach for a saw or pruning shears. According to Nabu, mistletoe is a stress factor for the orchard landscape - rising temperatures due to climate change are encouraging its spread.
Nabu has started a monitoring program to observe the spread of mistletoe. From November up to and including February, the plants will be counted and reported online. According to a press release, mistletoe hotspots already exist in the Rhine Valley, on Lake Constance and in the greater Stuttgart area.
Customs related to mistletoe harvesting should consider its role in nature conservation. Despite its use as an Advent decoration, maintaining healthy fruit trees requires the practice of pruning out mistletoe.
Source: www.dpa.com
