A demonstration on how to remove the tree parasite mistletoe will be offered April 29, Arbor Day, in La Entrada Park, outside the Corrales Library. The free event has been arranged by the Corrales Tree Committee, which has warned that “Corrales is facing the loss of its cottonwood forest in the Bosque Preserve and a major portion of the Corrales tree canopy to drought and mistletoe.â€
The demonstration in La Entrada Park, by certified arborist Harrison O’Connor of Legacy Tree Company, begins at 9 a.m.Â
The committee appointed by Village government explained that “The continuing drought conditions in the Rio Grande Valley and infestations of mistletoe are gradually killing off the beloved cottonwood tree canopy that is integral to the culture and charm of Corrales. We may be able to offset some effects of these problems by acting early.â€
Mistletoe is an evergreen parasitic plant that grows on a number of tree species. It has a green stem and thick green, oval leaves. It can grow into a rounded form up to two feet or more in diameter. Its small, sticky, whitish berries are produced from October to December, but the clumps are readily observed on deciduous trees in winter when tree leaves have fallen.