Mulberry Tree

Question

I live in Australian tropics and have a dwarf mulberry tree in my garden. It is approximately 3.5m tall but suffers from yellowing then brownibg leaves up to about 2.5 to 3m and some rotting of limbs at ends of branches or secondary limbs (see photo). It also has some growths on some branches (see photo). My guess is that it could have received too regular watering. Does this sound like the syptoms of too regular watering and can it recover?

Answer 1

This does, and it can. They can tolerate drought pretty well, but they can also tolerate wet soil for extended periods. My best solution would be to apply, both, dolomitic lime and wettable sulfur to the area. This will help kill off any infection, and recondition the soil. Also, you will want to cut off any dead growth to help it recover.

Here is an article for proper mulberry tree care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/fruitless-mulberry/how-to-grow-mulberry-trees.htm

Answer 2

Mulberries are susceptible to a number of fungal and bacterial diseases. Find an expert in your area to help you diagnosis this problem. It may be sooty canker or bacterial wetwood. If that is the case, affected branches must be removed and cuts should be done about a foot into what appears to be healthy wood. Since it is summer there, pruning exposes mulberry to further infection caused by sudden exposure of bark to harsh sunlight. Unlike most pruning, summer pruning cuts of mulberry should be painted with white latex paint to reflect sunlight while the wound heals. You can cut the paint with 50% water if you are using a sprayer. The 2 diseases I mentioned are systemic diseases. If the main trunk is infected, especially if it is sooty canker, the tree will die. Make sure to dispose of all wood and not leave it on your property. If you value the tree, contact a certified arborist.