How to Care for a Mulberry Tree

A mulberry tree is an attractive weeping tree that grows berries that are not only edible but wonderfully tasting with a great blend of sweetness and tartness. Mulberries are great as a snack and delicious when used in jellies, jams, wines and pies. Growing a mulberry tree also draws birds to your yard.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a female mulberry tree if you want mulberries. A male mulberry tree does not make the berries. The advantage that some people find with the male tree is that the squished berries can make a mess of your landscaping. The male will also not draw the birds to your yard if you would rather not encourage them.

2. Plant your mulberry tree in an area where it gets full sun. The soil should have good drainage. Enrich the soil with manure or an organic fertilizer when planting.

3. Water your mulberry tree only during extreme dry spells. Be sure to water at the base of the tree. Do not spray the leaves of the tree, especially if berries are forming, because being too wet can cause them to rot.

4. Prune your mulberry tree to shape it as it gets bigger. Prune after it is done fruiting to encourage new growth. You can also prune mulberry trees in the winter if you want, but be careful because dormant, frozen branches can be brittle and break easily.

5. Pick the berries as they ripen. Put them to good use in the kitchen and prevent them from falling all over and being walked in.

[shirleytowers]

on 1/18/2009 how do you tell male from female trees?