Kisses under the mistletoe may warm hearts during the holidays, but in Newman, the parasitic plant has become a cold-hearted menace.

The City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to declare broadleaf mistletoe a public nuisance and authorized abatement efforts to control its spread among local trees.

Broadleaf mistletoe, an evergreen parasitic plant, is far from romantic when it latches onto landscape trees across California. By leeching water and nutrients from its hosts, mistletoe stunts tree growth and, when infestations are severe, can even kill its leafy victims. To make matters worse, the plant's sticky berries and pollen are spread by birds, leading to new infestations if not promptly addressed.

Each year the City of Newman conducts a survey of trees within the city and on private property in an effort to keep mistletoe from spreading.

In accordance with Newman’s Municipal Code, abatement notices were first sent out on January 31, 2025, to 28 property owners, urging the removal of mistletoe. While several residents heeded the warning, 14 properties remained on the list by early March, prompting the city to send certified letters and schedule a public hearing. As of March 25, only 11 properties had yet to comply, according to Public Works Director Thomas Spankowski.

Spankowski emphasized that while mistletoe cannot be eradicated entirely, complete branch pruning is the most effective method of control. Costs vary depending on the severity and height of the infestations, with the city planning to bill property owners after the work is completed.

The council’s 5-0 vote underscores the urgency of halting the spread of this holiday mischief-maker turned urban nuisance. While mistletoe may still find a home hanging in doorways, its unwelcome presence in Newman’s trees is now firmly on notice.