How to get your mulberry tree in shape

How to get your mulberry tree in shape

How to Prune Your Mulberry Tree Properly

The ideal time to prune your mulberry tree is in spring, just before the fruit starts to form. To begin with, cut out any weak twigs and shoots that are crisscrossing or growing too densely. If you have a grafted mulberry tree, cut out all the wild shoots that grow out of the rootstock, i.e. below the grafting. Only then does the shape cut begin.

also read

  • The best location for your mulberry tree
  • How to care for your mulberry tree
  • The mulberry tree - a winterproof exotic

With a topiary, you can adapt your mulberry tree to its location and limit its growth. Mulberry trees are also suitable as a container plant. However, this requires a regular cut. If this work becomes too arduous for you, you can plant your mulberry tree outdoors for years to come.

In general, the mulberry grows like a bush. You can achieve a tree-like growth form with the appropriate pruning in the first few years. Choose a strong shoot as a guide branch. It should be surrounded by several side shoots. Cut off all other shoots. A sturdy trunk will develop over the years.

Change the growth habit

With the shrub-like habit, the cut is relatively easy. Long shoots are shortened to an eye that protrudes outward. You will also remove branches that are growing inward. Be careful not to remove too many branches. This is especially true of the red mulberry, which has a fascinating charisma with its bizarre twisted branches.

Good reasons for a shape cut:

  • Container plants need regular pruning, otherwise they will “outgrow” their planter
  • Trees in the front yard or near the house should not be too big or too wide
  • a small garden should not be dominated by a single tree

Tips & Tricks

Mulberry trees are quite robust and can handle almost any pruning. Since both the old and the young wood bear fruit, you can't really harm your mulberry tree if you catch the wrong branch. Take courage! It'll work better with the next cut.