Understanding Our Mistletoe Strategy
- Terravita Agronomy
- May 12
- 2 min read
From time to time, you may receive notices from the Terravita Community Association or the City of Scottsdale encouraging the removal of mistletoe from trees. These notices are helpful for individual homeowners, many of whom are responsible for just a few trees on their property. However, they understandably raise questions about why mistletoe may still be visible on the golf course.
The answer comes down to scale, practicality, and thoughtful prioritization.
Unlike a homeowner managing 3-5 trees, our golf course and grounds team is responsible for the care of approximately 7,000 trees spread across approximately 200 acres. That includes the golf course itself, community common areas, Natural Area Open Space (NAOS), and the trail systems that meander through the golf course. Add to that the daily demands of maintaining the golf course in alignment with out standards—and it's clear that tree care, while essential, must be prioritized carefully.
Mistletoe is one of many factors we consider in our overall tree care strategy. While it can look unsightly to some, it's important to know that mistletoe is a native hemiparasite that typically does not kill healthy trees. It often thrives in trees that are already stressed or in decline. Effective removal isn't as simple as trimming off the visible growth; true removal requires cutting out the entire affected limb, which can compromise the tree’s structure or appearance. That’s why we evaluate each situation carefully—balancing tree health, aesthetics, and long-term impact before proceeding with removal.
That said, we’re not ignoring mistletoe. In fact, we are currently partnering with a few reputable arboricultural companies to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current mistletoe presence throughout the golf course. Their expertise will help us better understand the overall scope, guide our removal strategies, and develop a long-term plan focused on prevention, health, and sustainability.
We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we continue to care for this beautiful desert environment in a responsible and realistic way. Mistletoe will be addressed—just not at the expense of more urgent needs or the long-term health of the landscape.
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