How to Prune a Mulberry Tree

Deciduous trees like mulberry trees are best pruned when the leaves are dormant. Late fall or early spring is the best time, whether your tree is fruit bearing or not. Pruning methods are best dictated by your purpose--whether to keep the tree a certain size or shape, or just to tidy it up.

Things You'll Need

• Lopping shears
• Pruning saw

Instructions

1. Choose the best time to prune your tree, depending on your climate. Pruning in late summer can encourage new growth which can be cut short at the first frost and impede next spring's growth. In the fall, prune when frost is imminent and leaves are falling. In spring time, prune before new growth is under way. Never prune a tree in mid-growing season because it will be less effective and may shorten the life of the tree.

2. Decide on your purpose for pruning. Trimming a tree to keep it compact determines different methods than pruning to encourage new growth. To keep a tree from growing too large, never cut into the trunk as this will weaken the entire tree. It's OK to cut the leader branches - those smaller branches that extend above the main trunk. To encourage a tree to grow taller, remove suckers and very low branches, but never lop off more than 15 percent of the tree's branches at one time.

3. Tidy the appearance of a tree by removing suckers growing at the tree's base. Look for branches with no buds and loose bark. These are the dead branches and can be removed. Stand back and assess the tree's shape. You may want to cut back criss-crossing branches, and those that grow vertically up the trunk. Look for branches growing close to power and phone lines and cut them before they reach the lines.

4. Avoid cutting any branch flush to the trunk. Always leave several inches of the branch behind, and don't seal or paint the fresh cut wood as this impedes natural healing.

5. Don't prune more than twice a year, and never remove more than one third of all the branches in any one season. It is best to prune selectively every year, rather than removing too much growth at one time. To encourage taller growth, cut back lower branches gradually over about five years. Removing too many at once will result in a weaker, stressed tree that is more prone to disease.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your shears and pruning saw sharpened. The job will be easier and you will do less damage to the tree when pruning.

• Follow all safety instructions if working on a ladder. Use a fiberglass ladder when working near any power lines.