The mulberry tree not only bears delicious fruit, it is also a jewel in the garden. Here we tell you what to look out for when caring for Morus.
If you have decided on a decorative mulberry tree, which is known for its tasty fruits, and planted it properly in the right place, sooner or later you will have to deal with its care. After all, it takes up to ten years for such a tree to bear fruit, i.e. for the first harvest to take place. If the care is not correct, the tree may die earlier, so that you have to start from scratch again. But what are the requirements of a mulberry tree, how do you take care of it - and is it also suitable for beginners in the hobby gardening sector?The mulberry tree and what makes up the Moraceae
The mulberry family, also known as Moraceae, is characterized by growth of up to 10 or even 15 meters in height. The plant is represented by more than ten species and has been cultivated and revered for its fruits for centuries. Above all, a mulberry tree is characterized by the fact that it thrives best in a temperate climate and needs a warm, sunny summer. A sandy soil that is not too moist or even characterized by waterlogging is ideal for the mulberry tree - otherwise its requirements are rather limited.
The good thing is that the mulberry tree is not particularly demanding and can therefore be easily cared for. This in turn means that even novice gardeners can get along well with the mulberry tree if they know about its few preferences.
| What he needs | + low peat, sandy soil + a little sun + lots of space + lots of water in summer |
| What he can't take | - too much moisture or even waterlogging - drying out roots (also to be considered in winter) |
Care for the mulberry tree - water it properly, cut it, fertilize it and overwinter
With the right care ritual, a little effort and a green thumb, you should be able to grow a decorative, attractive and radiant mulberry treewhich in time will also bear tasty fruit in abundance.
❍ Mulberry tree - how often to water?
The roots of the mulberry tree must never dry out - this also applies to the colder months of the year. Sufficient watering is therefore mandatory throughout the year, in summer the tree should receive comparatively more water. However, it should be noted that no waterlogging should occur - the plant does not tolerate it very well. If the soil is not loose and permeable enough, a gravel drainage can be laid to allow the poured water to flow off better and to prevent it from damming up at the roots and increasing the humidity too much.
❍ Does the mulberry tree need fertilizer?
Whether you should give the mulberry tree regular fertilizer depends largely on whether it is in nutrient-rich soil and whether it is already bearing fruit. In general, however, it can be said that it does not hurt to fertilize fruit-bearing mulberry trees regularly - liquid fertilizer or compost are ideal for supporting the growth of the juicy fruit. However, if the mulberry tree that is not yet bearing fruit is in nutrient-rich soil, fertilizing is not absolutely necessary. In any case, it is advisable to mix some compost into the potting soil when planting the tree to make it easier for the tree to take root and adapt well to the new location. As you can see, the mulberry tree is also very easy to care for in this category.
❍ Pruning a mulberry tree - yes or no?
It is usually not necessary to cut or trim the mulberry tree. However, the tree not only grows strongly, but also quickly: the mulberry tree can grow up to 40 centimeters per year. It can therefore be advantageous for some keepers to prune the tree every now and then, whether to make its crown more aesthetically pleasing, or to allow it to grow more evenly and have a better harvest. But how do you cut the mulberry tree and what should you pay attention to in order not to damage the plant?
It is reassuring, especially for beginners, that the mulberry tree always forgives mistakes when cutting - because fruits and new shoots ripen both from old trunk parts and from young branches. So if you accidentally cut off too much, even that is not a big problem for the mulberry tree - it will still continue to grow, thrive and bear fruit. At best, one looks for load-bearing branches for the optimal cutfrom which to mature to the strongest and to carry other shoots. They are selected by cutting off branches that appear less stable on the trunk. Shoots that grow inwards should be removed if you want a uniform appearance and lots of fruit - this ensures that the light falls evenly.
❍ Pruning a mulberry tree as a hedge
If you want to make a hedge out of the mulberry plant and cut it round, for example, you have to limit its height and diameter. You can work with your own sense of proportion here, as you will hardly do anything wrong when cutting the mulberry tree. Also, if you want to keep the mulberry tree in a bucket, you will often find it necessary to prune it.
Due to their robust nature, mulberry trees can be shaped into almost any shape, but they are also considered to be particularly decorative companions without pruning.
❍ How the mulberry tree can overwinter
When it comes to hibernation, it all depends on whether the Morus was cultivated in a bucket or whether it has found its permanent home in the garden. If the latter is the case, it can usually withstand temperatures of up to minus 20 degrees Celsius - but this only applies to mature trees. Young plants should be covered with brushwood for the first three winters in the garden. The plant overwinters even better with protection from jute bags and garden fleece. The roots can be well protected with a thick layer of leaves and straw.
If the mulberry tree in the garden is covered by winter protection, this should be removed regularly for a few hours - this allows the plant to air and prevents the formation of mold or excessive moisture.
❍ Wintering the mulberry tree in a bucket
If the mulberry tree was planted in a bucket and is to overwinter in it, the bucket must be brought inside during the cold months. If you cannot find the space inside, you also have the option of storing the mulberry tree in the garage or a garden shed. It is only important that the plant may also need winter protection here: placed on some Styrofoam, the roots do not have to fight against ground frost, the roots are kept warm with a layer of bubble wrap or garden fleece around the tub and with some brushwood around the trunk and branches the rest of the mulberry tree can also defend itself against the cold temperatures. Here, too, it is important to note that the winter protection must be removed regularly and ideally renewed, with the plant being aired in betweento minimize excess humidity and prevent mold growth.
Mulberry also suitable for garden beginners
As you can easily see, because of its very easy care properties, the mulberry tree is also ideal for beginners who are not yet very familiar with gardening. Whether overwintering, watering or fertilizing - there is really not much that you can really do wrong when keeping a mulberry tree. You should always pay attention to the moisture, as waterlogging damages the tree - however, laypeople and beginners recognize this quite quickly, which is why you don't have to worry, even if you don't green thumb has.