How to Plant Fruitless Mulberry Tree

The fruitless mulberry tree is a great choice for a tree that provides shade and has a beautiful appearance. It is also known as the Weeping Mulberry or Morus Alba. This tree is a native of Asia and was introduced to North America in the early 19th century. It is a fast-growing tree, which can grow up to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Here are the simple steps for planting a fruitless mulberry tree:

Choosing the Tree

The first step is to choose the fruitless mulberry tree you want to plant. This tree can be purchased at a nursery or garden center. You should choose a young tree, which is about 4-5 feet tall. The ideal time to plant a fruitless mulberry tree is in the fall, while the soil is still warm, and the tree has time to establish its roots before winter.

Prepare the Planting Site

Choose a spot for the fruitless mulberry tree that gets plenty of direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Make sure the soil is well-draining and rich in nutrients. Remove any weeds or grass from the planting location and mix the soil with organic matter like compost or manure. This will help the tree to establish healthy roots and thrive.

Plant the Tree

Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of the fruitless mulberry tree. The hole should be deep enough to allow the root ball to sit level with the soil surface. Place the tree in the hole and backfill the hole with soil. Water the tree immediately after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.

Watering and Fertilizing

It is important to keep the soil around the fruitless mulberry tree moist but not waterlogged for the first few weeks after planting. Water the tree deeply two to three times a week. After the first few weeks, you can reduce watering to once a week. Fertilize the tree in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Maintaining the Tree

Regular pruning is essential to keep the fruitless mulberry tree healthy and attractive. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased branches or those that are growing inwards towards the center of the tree. Thin out the branches to allow better air circulation and sunlight penetration.

In conclusion, planting and maintaining a fruitless mulberry tree is a great addition to any home garden or landscape. Following the above steps will ensure that your tree will grow healthy and strong for many years to come.