Pruning and removing trees is the best management measure available to reduce or eliminate dwarf mistletoe infestations in ornamental trees or urban forests. First, remove severely infected trees (rated 5 and 6) or those with only a few live branches. Trees with high, unreachable mistletoe infections will continue to shower seeds on nearby trees if not cut down. However, it is not necessary to completely eradicate the mistletoe – that may require removal of all trees. Prune and remove a few heavily infected trees and keep a green forest on the property. The parasite can be removed from lightly infected trees (rated 1 to 3). Prune off all infected branches for healthier trees. Prune the entire branch at the branch collar near the trunk. Examine trees every two or three years, and remove any newly infected branches.