Everbearing Mulberry Tree

Planting Instructions for Everbearing Mulberry Tree:

1. Location & Soil Preparation: Everbearing mulberry trees thrive in full sun to partial shade, though they produce the most fruit with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but they do best in well-draining soil. Mulberries can also grow in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0). If your soil is heavy clay or tends to retain water, amend it with compost or organic matter to improve drainage.
2. Planting Depth & Spacing: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. Place the tree in the hole with the root ball slightly above ground level. This helps prevent water from pooling around the base. Backfill the hole with native soil, firming it gently around the roots to remove air pockets. Space multiple trees about 15-20 feet apart to allow enough room for spreading and airflow.
3. Initial Watering: After planting, water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed competition. Be sure to keep the mulch 2-3 inches away from the trunk to avoid rot.

Care Instructions:

1. Watering: Mulberry trees are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but young trees need consistent moisture to help their roots grow deep. Water deeply once a week during the first year, especially during dry periods. Once established, water during prolonged droughts or dry spells. Always water at the base of the tree to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal problems.
2. Fertilization: Everbearing mulberries don’t require heavy feeding. Apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in early spring before new growth begins. You can also use organic compost or well-rotted manure to boost soil fertility. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth with fewer fruits.
3. Monitoring: Mulberries are generally pest-resistant but can occasionally face issues with pests such as aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites. Watch for signs of leaf curling, yellowing, or sticky residue, which can indicate pest problems. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care:

1. Pruning: Prune your everbearing mulberry tree in late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and sunlight penetration through the canopy. Light pruning each year helps keep the tree manageable and improves fruit production. Avoid heavy pruning, as mulberries tend to "bleed" sap, which can stress the tree.
2. Harvesting: Everbearing mulberries produce fruit over an extended period (usually late spring through summer), unlike some varieties that produce in one short window. The berries turn from red to deep purple-black when fully ripe. Harvest them by gently shaking the branches and collecting the berries on a tarp, or hand-pick them. Mulberries are best when picked fully ripe, as they do not ripen off the tree.
3. Pest and Disease Control: Mulberries are largely pest- and disease-resistant. Occasionally, fungal diseases like powdery mildew or leaf spot can appear in humid or wet conditions. Ensure good air circulation through proper pruning, and water at the base to keep leaves dry. If necessary, apply a fungicide early in the season to prevent disease. Birds may feast on ripe mulberries, so consider netting the tree if you want to protect your harvest.
4. Mulching and Weed Control: Continue to mulch around the tree to suppress weeds and retain moisture, especially during dry spells. Mulching also helps keep the root system cool in hot weather and insulates it in the winter.
5. Cold Protection: Everbearing mulberry trees are hardy in USDA zones 5-9. In colder regions (zone 5), young trees may benefit from a layer of mulch around the base to protect the roots during harsh winters. You can wrap the tree in burlap to protect it from frost damage, particularly in areas with severe winters.

Growing Everbearing Mulberries in Containers:

If space is limited or you want to grow mulberries on a smaller scale, you can grow an everbearing mulberry tree in a container. Here’s how:

1. Choosing a Container: Use a large container, at least 18-24 inches wide and deep, with drainage holes. Mulberry trees have a deep root system, so a sizable container is necessary to accommodate growth. Make sure the container is heavy or weighted, as mulberries can become top-heavy as they grow.
2. Potting Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend designed for trees and shrubs, with added perlite or sand to improve drainage. Mulberries don’t like sitting in water, so avoid heavy, moisture-retaining soil.
3. Watering and Fertilization: Container-grown mulberries dry out faster than those in the ground, so check the soil regularly and water when the top inch feels dry. Ensure that excess water drains out of the pot. Fertilize the tree every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
4. Repotting: Repot your mulberry tree every 2-3 years into a slightly larger container to accommodate root growth. Refresh the potting mix each time you repot to provide fresh nutrients.
5. Winter Care for Containers: In colder climates, move the container to a sheltered spot or indoors before winter, as the roots in containers are more susceptible to freezing. You can also wrap the pot with insulating material like burlap to protect it from extreme cold.

Additional Tips for Everbearing Mulberry Trees:

1. Boosting Fruit Production:

• Watering and Fertilization: While mulberry trees are relatively low-maintenance, ensuring proper water and nutrients, especially during the growing season, can maximize fruit production. During dry periods, increase the frequency of watering, especially while the tree is fruiting. Fertilize with a high-potassium feed (e.g., 5-10-10) in early spring to promote better flowering and fruiting.
• Proper Pruning: Prune lightly each year to encourage better fruit production. Removing crossing or damaged branches improves sunlight exposure and air circulation, leading to healthier growth and more fruit.

2. Protecting Mulberries from Pests:

• Aphids and Scale: Regularly check the underside of leaves for aphids or scale insects. If spotted, a strong jet of water or an application of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective.
• Birds and Wildlife: Birds, squirrels, and other wildlife are naturally attracted to ripe mulberries. Bird netting or reflective deterrents can help protect your harvest. Another option is to plant companion crops that birds prefer, like sunflowers or other berry plants, to divert their attention.

3. Maximizing Mulberry Health:

• Soil Mulching and Improvement: Mulch is critical in retaining soil moisture, especially in hot climates. Apply a fresh layer of organic mulch (such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves) every spring. Mulch also helps regulate soil temperature and suppress weed growth.
• Compost Tea: Applying compost tea (a liquid organic fertilizer made by steeping compost in water) once or twice a year helps provide a nutrient boost, especially to trees that might not need heavy fertilizing.

4. Managing Mulberry Size:

• Growth Control: Everbearing mulberries can grow quickly, but you can easily keep them manageable with regular pruning. Prune your tree annually to shape it to your desired height and width. This not only keeps the tree from becoming too large but also helps maintain a more productive and accessible tree for fruit picking.
• Dwarf Varieties: Consider growing a dwarf mulberry variety if you have limited space or are growing in containers. Dwarf varieties still produce delicious fruit but stay smaller and are more manageable in size.

5. Dealing with Fruit Drop:

• Why It Happens: Mulberries sometimes drop unripe fruit due to environmental stress, poor pollination, or irregular watering. Avoid sudden changes in watering schedules to help minimize fruit drop. Deep, consistent watering is key, especially during dry spells.
• Thinning: If your tree sets an excessively large crop, thinning out some of the young fruit can reduce strain on the branches and prevent fruit drop later. It also helps the remaining fruit grow larger and sweeter.

6. Preserving Your Harvest:

• Freezing: Mulberries freeze well and can be preserved for later use. Simply wash and dry the berries, then spread them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After freezing, transfer them to freezer bags for long-term storage.
• Drying: Mulberries can also be dried for snacks. Use a food dehydrator or oven at a low temperature (around 135°F) for several hours until they are fully dried. Store dried mulberries in an airtight container for use in cereals, granola, or as a snack.
• Making Jams and Syrups: Mulberries make excellent jams, jellies, and syrups. To make jam, combine equal parts mulberries and sugar, and cook until thickened. For syrup, cook mulberries with sugar and water, then strain for a delicious topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.

7. Companion Planting for Mulberries:

• Beneficial Plants: Companion plants like clover or comfrey can help fix nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility and supporting mulberry growth. Additionally, planting marigolds or nasturtiums nearby can attract beneficial insects and deter pests like aphids.
• Shading and Wind Protection: If you're in a very hot climate, companion planting tall plants or shrubs near your mulberry tree can provide light shade during the hottest part of the day. Likewise, in windy areas, planting a windbreak can help prevent damage to the tree and its fruit.

8. Long-Term Planning:

• Fruit Timeline: Everbearing mulberries begin fruiting within 2-4 years, depending on the size of the tree when planted. However, their long lifespan means that with good care, they will produce fruit for decades, making them a valuable long-term investment for your garden.
• Tree Longevity: Mulberry trees can live and produce fruit for over 50 years with the right care. As the tree matures, reduce fertilization slightly to avoid excessive growth. Pruning becomes more about maintenance and keeping the canopy open as the tree grows older.

9. Winter Care:

• Cold Protection: Although hardy in USDA zones 5-9, mulberries may experience branch dieback in particularly harsh winters. In colder regions, wrap the trunk in burlap or use a tree guard for extra protection during winter months, especially for young trees. Additionally, adding a thicker layer of mulch around the base can insulate the roots from extreme cold.
• Early Spring Growth: In late winter, inspect the tree for any damaged or dead branches from winter weather, and prune these out before the growing season begins. This will help the tree direct its energy into healthy, new growth.

10. Preventing Mess and Stains:

• Strategic Placement: Since mulberries can stain driveways, walkways, or patios, it’s wise to plant your tree away from these areas. If you prefer to collect fallen fruit rather than hand-picking, place a tarp or ground cover beneath the tree to easily gather fallen berries and avoid staining.
• Clean-Up: If you do experience staining from fallen mulberries, a quick clean-up using water and a scrub brush can remove the juice before it sets. Mulberry juice can stain fabric, so it's a good idea to wear gloves and old clothes when harvesting.

11. Pruning for Wildlife & Wildlife Management:

• Wildlife Shelter: Mulberry trees not only provide fruit but also offer shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects. If you enjoy having wildlife in your garden, allow some of the fruit to remain on the tree for the animals.
• Tree Netting: However, if you prefer to protect your entire harvest, consider using tree netting or bird deterrents (like reflective tape or noise-makers) during the fruiting season.