How to prune a mulberry tree?

prune a mulberry tree

The "Morus alba”, Popularly called Mulberry, It is a tree from western Asia, which is one of the most characteristic varieties of the Moraceae family and when allowed to grow, this tree is capable of reaching 15m in height; however, the usual thing is to find it at most having a height of 5 meters.

When being in gardens, normally it is pruned once a year In order to maintain its development within the limits that are desired in each season, it is possible to carry out pruning of the Mulberry tree not only when it is in full growth, but also when it loses its leaves when the hospitalization cycle arrives.

The real pruning

In the first case, it is necessary do pruning during April and August to gradually eliminate the branches that grow towards the wrong direction or place, in this case being a "maintenance" pruning.

The real pruning

" true pruning”, Takes place in winter, precisely during December and February, since at this time the Mulberry tree is hibernating and it is usually recommended to prune when each of the leaves have fallen, since each of the elements it needed and has stored them within its trunks and branches.

The Mulberry consists of a tree that can be pruned to create extensive shade and there are two kinds of pruning, the first is training pruning and the second is maintenance.

The training is carried out during the first years of the tree's life, in which the future branches that will create the main structure of the Morera; While through maintenance pruning, it is sought to eliminate all diseased, crossed and / or old branches, this pruning can be done annually and remember, the Mulberry can be pruned when it is in full growth and also when it loses its leaves

How to prune the Mulberry tree?

The Mulberry can be pruned in each of its forms throughout the year due to its rusticity, however, it is advisable not to do it in spring.

This tree can be pruned using scissors or hand saws for thin branches and a chainsaw for thicker branches. In any case, it is necessary to make clean cuts trying to avoid tearing in the cut area.

Commonly, the cutting area is made completely glued to the so-called structure branches; do not forget that Mulberry has an enormous capacity for vigor and sprouting during its development. The structural branches, that is to say those that are closer to the main trunk, normally thicken annually until creating authentic “stumps”, which can be cut in order to promote the renewal of these branches next year.

This kind of pruning "rejuvenation" It is carried out every 4-6 years and it is convenient to distribute the complete renewal of its structure branches in about 2-3 years, one year they are pruned and the next others, until they have all been pruned.

According to the age and vigor of the Mulberry tree, its pruning will conceive numerous branches. The young wood of this tree is usually not really suitable for firewood and it is usually forbidden to dump it in the landfill, so if you have a powerful branch shredder, it is possible instead to create a excellent compost quickly.

Mulberry care

Mulberry care

As care for the Mulberry tree, the following can be taken into account:

Location: Outside where the sunlight gives it full light.

Irrigation: It should be watered regularly at least twice a week during the summer and about every 7-9 days for the remainder of the year.

Soils: Any kind of soils, except acid soils.

Pests: It is usually affected by aphids during the summer.


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  1.   Sandra pine said

    Hello, I wanted to know why blackberry branches cannot be used for firewood. Thanks

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Sandra.
      It is usually prohibited because the ashes create false floors.
      A greeting.

  2.   Pablo said

    Xk that branch has the sap makes it have worms and they rot even if you haven't burned ...
    And to leave it on the ground or ashes later "it can attract more or as a disease in general"

  3.   Jose jose said

    I use it for firewood especially for lighting and I also crush it for composting and I never had any problems.
    I also use it crushed in fatter for land cover and after many years (more than 25 years) I never had problems.

  4.   Jesus said

    Hello, good morning, I had a problem with a young mulberry tree and the guide was eaten by some sheep, will it continue to grow?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Jesus.

      Yes do not worry. Surely take out a new guide and it will continue to grow normal 🙂

      Regards!

  5.   David said

    Thank you very much for the article, it will be very good for my tree 🙂

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Thanks to you, David 🙂