20 year old beautiful tree which went through male pollen phase and leaf growth with completely normal richly green leaves across the full tree. Last few days leaves have begun to fall off the tree in large quantities. I checked for all the symptoms of the usual diseases (mildew, cankers, nematodes, root rot etc.) and found on conditions which correspond to the conditions described. Help!
I will assume that the leaves are yellowing first, then dropping off the tree.
I do think the most likely cause is lack of water.
Have you had dry weather? The Fruitless Mulberry Tree has a very large root system and needs additional water during dry periods.
You may also need to have a soil test done to determine if your tree has a nutrient deficiency.
Here are links with more information on care and disease issues.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/fruitless-mulberry/fruitless-mulberry-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/fruitless-mulberry/possible-causes-of-a-fruitless-mulberry-with-yellow-leaves.htm
I live in Southern New Mexico. Mulberry trees are prevalent here. Mine is in the middle of my yard, well over 40 years old, and has been producing smaller and less leaves for the last few seasons. This season, much less leaves. The tree has been trimmed and maintained well. What is going on with it?
The declining leaf growth is an indicator of an unhealthy tree and it may be do to lack of water, lack of proper fertilizing, Sooty Mold, salts from desert run off, or improper pruning.
Fruitless Mulberry are classified as heavy water required. During hot weather the tree will need to be watered 2 to 3 feet deep every 5 to 7 days.
The sandier the soil, the more water it will need.
Irrigation should extent out to the tree canopy drip line.
Long term water stress can lead to the decline and even death of the tree.
Mulberry Trees need fertilizing 2 to 3 times a year with a nitrogen fertilizer.
Lack of nitrogen results in less leaves, yellowing leaves and poor growth.
A stressed tree is open to diseases.
Accumulation of salts that are naturally occurring from desert sands can also build up in the tree. Deep irrigation helps dissipate the salt.
Here are some articles with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/fruitless-mulberry/fruitless-mulberry-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/fruitless-mulberry/possible-causes-of-a-fruitless-mulberry-with-yellow-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/fruitless-mulberry/how-to-prune-a-mulberry-tree.htm
Is it typical for a container grown fruitless mulberry to have its leaves heavily damaged by 22 to 28 degree overnight temps? I haven't planted the tree in the ground yet, but most of its leaves curled, withered and dried up after two nights in the 20s.
Yes, this is typical. Container grown plants react to the cold the same as those in the ground. Here is some information on how to care for a cold damaged plant:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/tips-for-saving-cold-damaged-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-treat-frozen-plants.htm
I have a one year old Fruitless mulberry tree. It is almost June and there is no foliage yet in the tree. Is it still early, when will they develop leaves, or is there a problem with my tree? Thank you
You can bend the branches of the young tree. If they bend without breaking they are still alive. If they snap off, they have died.
You can also scratch the bark. If you see green underneath, the tree is still alive.
Even late leafing trees should be showing signs of life by now. Your tree may not have survived the winter.
Most garden centers guarantee a new tree for the first year, so you may want to contact the grower for a replacement.
Here are some articles with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/fruitless-mulberry/fruitless-mulberry-trees.htm
The leaves are curled in around the edges and are lighter on the edges.
This could be watering issues, the tree may need more moisture.
Lack of nutrition is a possible cause along with disease or pests.
Here are some links to help you further pinpoint the cause.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/fruitless-mulberry/fruitless-mulberry-trees.htm
The leaves are turning lime green with the veins showing. I thought maybe they needed iron.
This is more likely watering needs.
Fruitless Mulberry do need watering regularly.
They can suffer from cotton root rot, borers and vascular diseases.
https://www.ehow.com/info_8587965_mulberry-leaves-turn-yellow-drop.html
The canopy of our fruitless mulberry extends over our driveway. This year it's been spraying a white spray all over our car parked there. On the side facing the mulberry. What is this? Pollen?
This is likely Honeydew, which is the residue or secretions of insects.
I would inspect the tree more closely and treat with Neem Oil.
Here are some links with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-honeydew.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm