How to Grow a Weeping Mulberry Tree

The weeping mulberry (Morus alba) is one of the most interesting deciduous flowering trees for the home garden. Its long, weeping branches and twisted growth give real interest and texture to the landscape. Planted as a specimen tree, it can make a graceful statement in summer with its large, lustrous green leaves. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

• Weeping mulberry tree
• Shovel
• Knife or garden shears
• Water
• Mulch or other organic material

Instructions

1. Select a planting site. The weeping mulberry is a good choice in Hardiness Zones 4 through 8. One of the tree's best features is that is suitable for planting in any well-drained soil and is drought tolerant. It does well in both sun and light shade.

2. Prepare the tree for planting. Weeping mulberry transplants well. Select a balled and burlapped specimen and remove all twine and wire. Cut away half of the burlap covering the rootball.

3. Dig the planting holes. Prepare a hole 3 to 4 times the width of the rootball and equal in depth.

4. Position and plant the tree. Place the tree in the planting hole and, after making sure the tree is straight, backfill a small amount of the original soil to stabilize. Fill the planting hole with water. "Watering in" helps to prevent transplant shock. Backfill the remaining soil.

5. Dress the planting area. Spread a 3 to 4 inch layer of mulch around the tree and over the entire planting area. "Dressing the site" with mulch will help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds.

Tips & Warnings

• The weeping mulberry is a flowering tree native to China and was used for cultivating silk worms.

• Weeping mulberry grows from 30 to 50 feet in height and can reach 20 feet in width.