How to Get Rid of Mulberry Bushes

Mulberry trees and bushes are deciduous, fast-growing plants. The sweet fruit resembles small blackberries, but mulberry also comes in nonfruiting varieties. The bush varieties of mulberries are usually black mulberries, and the plants are often grown in containers. The plants are native to western Asia and grow well with minimal care. If you have unwanted bushes in a landscape, the best way to get rid of them is to start with an herbicide, according to the Ohio State University Extension.

Things You'll Need

• Glyphosate
• Axe
• Stump grinder
• Hoe

Instructions

1. Use an herbicide containing glyphosate to kill a mulberry bush. Select an undiluted, water-soluble formula and review the manufacturer's instructions and safety warnings.

2. Spray the foliage of the mulberry bush from all sides. This is known as foliar treatment and is effective on bushes up to the height of 15 feet.

3. Cover plant evenly with herbicide but do not drench the leaves to the point of runoff. Do not use the chemical when there is a chance of rain within 6 hours of treatment. Avoid using glyphosate on very hot days or on plants that are severely drought-stressed. The best time to use the chemical is during August and September.

4. Repeat treatment after 7 to 10 days.

5. Cut down the dead bush with an axe and discard. Dig out the stump with hoe or shovel. If the stump is too large to dig out, use a stump grinder and grind it to a depth of 1 foot below the soil line.

Tips & Warnings

• A stump grinder is a machine with a rotating wheel and carbide teeth that work as a meat grinder when placed on top of the stump, reducing the wood to sawdust and chips. You can rent a stump grinder from a gardening supply store and take care of the stump yourself, or you can hire someone to do it for you.

• Glyphosate is a nonselective chemical that indiscriminately harms all vegetation and grass. Use carefully around desired plants and do not use on windy days to minimize the chances of it drifting onto other plants.

References

• UC IPM Online: Mulberry
• "Landscaping with Fruit"; Lee Reich; 2009
• Ohio State University Extension; Controlling Undesirable Trees, Shrubs and Vines in Your Woodland; Randall B. Heiligmann
• Washington State University Extension; Chemical Control for Woody Plants, Stumps and Trees; Stott W. Howard, et al.; September 1995
• University of Minnesota Extension; Removing Trees and Shrubs; Beth R. Jarvis; October 1998
• "The Landscape Makeover Book"; Sara Jane Von Trapp; 2000