Ostrava launches fifth stage of mistletoe removal project

The city of Ostrava is beginning the fifth stage of a city-wide ecological project to combat white mistletoe infestation. This phase involves treating 644 trees across the districts of Moravská Ostrava and Přívoz, Hrabová, and Ostrava-Jih.

Deputy Mayor for the Environment, Aleš Boháč, stated that the costs for this stage amount to 4.8 million CZK excluding tax. The work, carried out by the municipal company Ostravské městské lesy a zeleň, includes removing the parasite, performing health cuts, and other measures to improve tree condition and safety.

The mistletoe parasite, which drains nutrients from trees and can lead to premature death, has been a growing issue in the Moravian-Silesian region for approximately 15 years. Ostrava began systematic elimination in 2022. Previous phases have treated roughly 1,700 trees at a total cost of 12.5 million CZK. The project focuses on trees in parks, street rows, residential areas, and municipal cemeteries.