Do you know that many different mulberry tree species are available? These are members of the genus Morus. The Mulberry tree is famous because it is fast growing and is the favourite of many children. It is also the tree where birds sit and like to nest. Plus, the trees even offer bright and juicy berries that are very tasty.
The tree is known to be the prime residence of the popular silkworms. The white Mulberry species of trees were introduced to North America for silk production. Plus, these are invasive too. Even in the hardy zones, the shrubs grow and thrive and produce more trees. The Mulberry tree is the best if you plan to grow a tree in your garden. Here you can know how to care for it and grow.
How do you grow Mulberry trees in your garden?
The Mulberry trees are great growers and offer fruits and easily create other trees of their own. For these reasons, it is a gardener’s treasure. You can grow a Mulberry tree in a space in your garden, and it can become a place of solace and shelter in your backyard in a few years. But don’t plant them too close to underground objects like septic tanks or electric wires. These can be so strong that they can cause cracks in the tank. The trees can spread wide, and their roots can grow quickly, which may cause problems in the underground soil area.
You can plant the Mulberry tree in your garden in a space with enough sunlight and loamy soil. Plus, they can tolerate partial shade and lots of soil types. The ground has to be well-draining too. You must know that the trees will not grow properly in partially shady areas. They need direct sunlight.
But the best results of growing the trees come out of propagation. You have to cut the trees during the summer or the fall and plant the trees in the fall or the early spring. At the same time, if the soil you are planting is very dense, you have to loosen it up, put on some fertilisers, and plant the tree. This is a simple process but will offer you great yields. It will offer the young trees the chance to get a root system that will be able to support the tree throughout the years.
How can you take care of the Mulberry tree?
The first thing you must know when caring for the Mulberry roots is that you have to protect them from the cold. During the first few years of the tree, you must take care of it properly. During the winter, you have to spread the insulated mulch around the sapling three feet from all directions to check the root core. Make sure for it not to freeze.
Further, the Mulberry tree can do well in the full sunlight, and when it is first planted, you will have to water it frequently. This tree is the easiest to grow compared to others, so don’t worry. You will get the hang of it very soon after planting the tree. After the trees are firmly in place, you will have to do the annual pruning and watering. That is all. The tree will grow and offer fruits to you. But you can skip the pruning process if you are not looking for more fruits.
In addition, you can also use fertilisers on the Mulberry tree. But it is not required during the first year of the tree. One well-balanced fertiliser is enough to help the tree grow and reach its maximum height. The best time to add fertiliser is late winter or the early spring. One inch of water once a week is enough for the tree to grow. Mostly the trees can take water from the seasonal rains and underground water.
Also read: How To Increase Soil Microbial Activity
What are the different types of the Mulberry tree?
There are sixty-eight different types of Mulberry trees available. But the gardeners use only four or five to plant in their gardens.
- The white Mulberry, also called Morus Alba, is one of the most prevalent kinds of the Mulberry tree. It is one of the major parts of the silk trade. It loves the direct sun and offers white, red or black fruits.
- The Red Mulberry is also known by its scientific name Morus rubra. Most of these species are hybrid varieties, so it is a popular choice for gardeners. It can grow in shady conditions.
- The Black Mulberry, also known as Morus nigra likes to grow in drier and alkaline conditions. It is a slow-growing species, and many people love its berry flavour.
· The Long Mulberry is a Pakistan/Himalayan mulberry, and it offers large fruit that can grow up to 4-5 inches in length. It likes to thrive in very warm climates. Plus, it is resistant to diseases too.
· The last known popular variety is the fruitless Mulberry. Its scientific name is “Fruitless”. It is the best choice for gardeners who are averse to stains. Further, it does not bear any fruit but offers lots of shade for its owners.
How to harvest Mulberry trees?
The Mulberry trees will drop their fruits when it is ripe. You can place some sheets under trees so the fruits will have a soft landing, and you can collect them afterwards. You can also shake the trees for a larger harvest at a single time. Also, you can handpick berries to get riper berries.
You can use these delicious fruits to make a cake or other pastries. Plus, you can also mature the berries and use them as dried fruits.
Conclusion
This is the wonderful information you have to know about Mulberry. It is one of the popular trees, and you can grow it in your garden. Follow the details given here to grow and care for the tree.
Also read: How To Care A Weeping Cherry Tree?
