When and how do I prune a mulberry tree that is well established. I don't know how old, as I only just bought the property.
It needs to be pruned while it is dormant, basically any time it does not have any leaves. Mulberries do not need to be pruned, but you can prune to remove weak or dead growth or to shape it. Just use a clean sharp pair of lopers or saw and remove any unwanted growth.
I'm in the midwest country (west Australian area) and have a large established mulberry tree in need of a good pruning. When is it best to do this? It's almost lost all its leaves, but I have noticed what looks like fruit developing on it.
Mulberries should be pruned when they are dormant. They really do not need to be pruned except to shape the tree and clean out any weak or dead growth.
If it has massive leaf loss, it is likely due to either a fungus, pests or root damage. I am leaning towards a fungus as it is still producing fruit. Pests and root rot would wipe out the fruit but fungus can leave it intact. Treat the tree with a fungicide to treat any fungus on the tree.
How and when's the best time to move a mulberry tree? I have a mulberry tree that was planted too close to my house. It's about 4' high, with 2 trunks that are only about 1" in diameter. Can I transplant it successfully? Or, is it too young?
Spring or early fall are the best times to transplant.
That being said, the issue is not so much that the tree is too young but rather that it may be too old. Plants where not intended to move around, so the longer a plant is in a spot, the harder time it has moving to a new spot. Yours can be moved, but it will have trouble and you will risk losing it by moving it. This article will help you reduce the chances the tree will die when moved:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm
I live in the foothills of Los Angeles. My wife and I want to plant a Mulberry tree by our deck for shade. We want to plant it in a box though. We have room for a 4' x 4' x 4' box. Do you think that is enough room for the root system to grow? Would the tree get big enough to create a canopy? If not, what tree would you recommend for our situation?
Hi there anon of L.A. The Mulberry tree is a very invasive shallow rooting tree,so if you want a shade tree that keeps its roots to itself-choose something else.As I live in Australia I can't advise you of an alternative.P.S.The fruit are very tasty & can be frozen for up to 3 months but have a very short shelf life, that's.why you don't see them in s/markets Regards -Bob from Toodyay W.Australia
We have two fruitless mulberry trees one in the front yard and one in the back. They have blossomed out a few times but never gotten any leaves. Any suggestions on what I might need to do?
I also found this article that you may find helpful:
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/how-examine-deciduous-tree-leaf-out-problems
It may be affected by a fungus that is attacking the leaf buds. I would try treating it with a fungicide on a regular schedule to see if that helps.
Our fruitless mulberry (2 years old) had green leaves a week ago and now are black. We are not sure what has happened to it. Please advise on what we can do.
Did you have a frost in your area? New leaves on trees are very susceptible to frost and a frost can kill the leaves, but leave the tree healthy. The day after the frost, the leaves may have appeared fine and the damage, such as brown or blackened leaves, may not appear until 1-2 days later.
Another possibility is that the tree got overspray from a weedkiller. If someone was spraying something like Round-Up on a windy day, the spray could have drifted to the tree and may have cause leaf die off like that.
In both cases, the leaves should regrow without a problem.
Our mulberry tree leaves are turning yellow, than shriveling up, weirdly. A number of the yellow leaves are falling off but the shriveled ones are not. It started on one side of the tree and is spreading across the canopy. The tree gets plenty of water. I really don't want to lose our tree. Anyone know what is wrong?
It may be pests like aphids or it could be a fungus. Both can cause these symptoms. Treat the tree with neem oil. Neem oil treats both pests and fungus, so which ever it is, it will take care of it. Get up as high as you can get it. It is systemic, so will be absorbed by the tree and will help protect the whole tree.