How to Grow and Care for Red Mulberry

Red Mulberry Tree Care

If planted and attended to with some affection, the red mulberry tree is a beautiful, large, stately species that can produce a bountiful harvest of berries. Keep these care requirements in mind.

• Consider a spot large enough to fit the tree’s height and spread now as well as in the future. Site selection will be an important aspect of the mulberry tree’s success.
• Plant the tree in a hole as deep as the container or ball and two times the width.
• Mulch around the newly planted tree out to the dripline, ensuring not to touch the bark to help it retain moisture.
• Use a well-draining, loamy soil.
• Water a newly planted tree at least once a week for the first year of growing.

Light

The tree will be its showiest and produce the most fruit when placed in full sun. It does tolerate part shade somewhat well but will not produce fruit as proficiently.

Soil

To ensure success, place the red mulberry tree in well-draining conditions that are moist and rich. A loamy soil that is neutral to alkaline is preferred.

Water

Water newly planted trees weekly with ten gallons of water for each inch of trunk diameter for the first year until roots are established. No need for supplemental watering after that. The red mulberry is drought-resistant but you should still soak the soil as needed during a dry spell. This is especially true if you’re growing for fruit production.

Temperature and Humidity

The species is a hardy tree with a range covering most of the United States east of the great plains. The red mulberry does well at a variety of temperatures. Its USDA Hardiness Zones are 3-8.

Fertilizer

There is no need to fertilize the red mulberry tree. It will do well in most soils, but increasing the yield of berries can be achieved by applying a 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer every spring.

Types of Mulberry Trees

The only other native mulberry in the United States is the Texas mulberry (Morus microphylla), also known as littleleaf mulberry, mountain mulberry, Mexican mulberry, or dwarf mulberry.

Other varieties of mulberry are generally considered pests when planted in the US. In particular, the invasive white mulberry out-competes and hybridizes with the red mulberry, making it problematic in terms of preserving our native species.

Pruning

Mulberry trees have rather delicate bark and are prone to “bleeding” if cut during the growing season. So, only prune dead or damaged limbs during winter dormancy or in the fall as it approaches. This is also the time to prune your mulberry for guiding its growth toward the desired shape.

Propagating Red Mulberry Trees

Mulberry trees can be propagated with branch cuttings. Here’s how:

1. Cut an 8-inch long end of a green branch with a 12-inch diameter.
2. Dip the bottom of the cutting into rooting hormone, and plant about 3 inches deep in a small pot filled with soilless potting mix.
3. Water thoroughly, then place the pot in a clear plastic bag to retain warmth and moisture.
4. Place the pot in a full shade location for about 4 weeks, until the cutting begins to root. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
5. When the cutting has rooted, remove the plastic bag and continue growing in the pot through the summer.
6. In the fall, plant your little tree in the ground.

How to Grow a Red Mulberry Tree From Seed

Red mulberry can be planted from seed and can be sown without stratification (a cold period) in the summer and fall; they can also be planted in the spring after 30 to 90 days of stratification in the refrigerator. The seeds should be planted 8 to 12 inches apart. Trees will produce fruit in 4 to 10 years.

Overwintering

Red mulberry trees are cold tolerant and do not need special care during the winter.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Red mulberry trees are generally pest-resistant, hardy trees in their native growing areas. Young trees may be browsed by deer, which can harm growth, but fencing off small trees keeps deer at bay until the trees are large enough to survive on their own. In certain regions, borers can make their way to the tree.

Red mulberry trees can be vulnerable to disease, mainly bacterial blight. It will appear on leaves and shoots as water spots or black stripes. Prune dying shoots immediately and spray with recommended fungicides for trees. Powdery mildew and root rot can also affect the tree. Make sure your planting site is well draining.

Common Problems With Red Mulberry Trees

Red Mulberry is a fairly hardy tree, but like any mulberry tree, it is vulnerable to a few hardships.

Browning Leaf Margins

If leaf margins are darkening and appear scorched, it could be caused by a lack of moisture in the soil, especially in extremely hot temperatures. If you’re experiencing hot temperatures and a period of drought, water your red mulberry to prevent this.

Clustering Shoots

If you notice clusters of shorter twigs appearing throughout the tree crown as it grows, it could be witches broom. The shoots will be short and stocky and growing together. Witches broom can result from a number of viral and environmental causes. Prune the clusters to before they divert energy away from the rest of the tree.

Premature Fruit Drop

You may notice fruit dropping before it’s ready. This is a common occurrence that is usually caused by environmental factors, including colder weather. Make sure you’re pruning the tree when necessary to reduce the weight on the branches. You can also pinch off buds before they progress to the fruiting phase.