Everything You Need To Know About Everbearing Mulberry Trees
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Everbearing mulberry trees are a low-maintenance fruit tree that delivers fresh, juicy berries all season long. With their unique extended fruiting period and attractive foliage, these trees bring more than just beauty to your garden—they’re a reliable source of delicious fruit for snacking, baking, or preserving. Whether you’re adding to a growing orchard or looking for a compact fruit tree for a small space, everbearing mulberries offer flexibility and great yields. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of them.
What Are Everbearing Mulberry Trees?
Everbearing mulberry trees are deciduous fruit trees known for their extended fruiting season. Unlike traditional mulberry trees that produce fruit only once a year, everbearing varieties yield crops continuously throughout the growing season.
These trees are self-pollinating and can start producing fruit within just a few years of planting, making them ideal for urban and rural settings. The fruit attracts birds and wildlife, adding biodiversity to your space while also providing you with delicious berries.
Types of Everbearing Mulberry Trees
Gardeners commonly choose two main types of everbearing mulberry trees for their landscapes:
- Dwarf everbearing mulberry: Dwarf everbearing mulberries grow up to 10–15 feet tall, spreading to about 15–20 feet wide, making them great for smaller gardens or container planting. They’re also perfect for creating privacy hedges.
- Illinois everbearing mulberry: The Illinois everbearing mulberry is a larger variety, perfect if you have a spacious yard or want a statement tree. These trees can reach heights of 30–35 feet with a similar spread, providing shade and an impressive fruit yield. The Illinois everbearing mulberry is known for its cold hardiness and ability to thrive in various climates.
Appearance and Growth Characteristics of Mulberry Trees
Understanding these growth habits can help you pick out the perfect spot for your new tree.
Height and Spread
As mentioned earlier, dwarf everbearing mulberry trees typically grow 10–15 feet tall with a spread of 15–20 feet. The Illinois everbearing mulberry, on the other hand, can reach 30–35 feet in both height and spread.
These size options let you choose the best fit for your landscape, whether you’re working with a cozy garden or an expansive yard.
Foliage and Fruit
Everbearing mulberries have lush, deep green foliage that provides shade in summer and shows off a beautiful branching structure in winter. The dark reddish-black berries are about 1 1/2 inches long and ripen from late June through fall. Their sweet, slightly tart flavor is often compared to a cross between blackberries and raspberries.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Mulberry Trees
For your everbearing mulberry tree to thrive, you’ll have to provide the right growing conditions. These adaptable trees can tolerate a range of environments, but they do have some preferences.
Hardiness Zones
Everbearing mulberry trees are well-suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 5–10, which covers most of the continental U.S. They can tolerate cool and hot climates, making them versatile in many areas. Their drought tolerance adds appeal for gardeners in dry regions.
Sunlight Requirements
Everbearing mulberry trees prefer full sun to partial shade. For the best growth and fruit production, plant your tree in a location that receives at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. While they can tolerate some shade, more sun exposure typically results in better fruit yields.
Soil Preferences
These adaptable trees do best in moist, well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. They can tolerate sandy or clay soils as long as drainage is good.
Planting Your Everbearing Mulberry Tree
Proper planting leads to the long-term success of your everbearing mulberry tree. Follow these guidelines to give your tree the best start possible.
When To Plant
The best time to plant an everbearing mulberry tree is during the spring or fall when the tree is dormant. This allows the tree to establish its root system before the stress of summer heat or winter cold sets in.
How To Plant
Follow these steps to plant your everbearing mulberry tree:
- Choose a suitable location away from utility lines and septic systems.
- Clear the area of weeds, debris, and grass.
- Dig a hole twice the size and depth of the root ball.
- Gently remove the tree from its container and loosen the roots.
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring it sits slightly above ground level.
- Backfill with soil, tamping gently to remove any air pockets.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Spacing
Allow 15–20 feet between dwarf trees and 30–35 feet for Illinois everbearing varieties.
Caring for Your Everbearing Mulberry Tree
Proper care keeps your everbearing mulberry tree healthy and productive. Follow these guidelines for watering, fertilizing, and pruning:
- Watering needs: Water newly planted trees regularly to establish strong roots. Mature trees are drought-tolerant but benefit from an inch of water weekly during the growing season. Water deeply to encourage root growth.
- Fertilizing schedule: Avoid fertilizing during the first year of growth. Once established, fertilize annually in early spring when new growth begins. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10. Aim to avoid over-fertilizing, which can boost leaf growth but limit fruit.
- Pruning techniques: Prune during winter dormancy to minimize sap loss. Thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Remove any dead or crossing branches, but avoid heavy pruning—it can reduce fruit production for the following year.
Harvesting and Using Mulberries
One of the joys of growing everbearing mulberry trees is the bountiful harvest they provide. Here’s what you need to know.
When To Harvest
Everbearing mulberry trees typically begin fruiting within 1–3 years of planting. The berries ripen from June through September, with peak production in the middle of summer. Ripe mulberries are dark reddish-black and easily detach from the tree when gently touched.
Harvesting Methods
Harvesting mulberries is simple and fun. Here are two popular methods:
- Shake the branches gently over a sheet or tarp to collect ripe berries.
- Pick individual berries by hand for more immediate consumption.
Culinary Ideas
Mulberries are versatile in the kitchen. Here are some delicious ways to use your harvest:
- Eat fresh as a healthy snack.
- Bake into pies, tarts, or muffins.
- Make jams, jellies, or preserves.
- Add to smoothies or yogurt.
- Ferment into wine or cordials.
Potential Everbearing Mulberry Tree Challenges and Solutions
While everbearing mulberry trees are generally low-maintenance, they can face some challenges. Here’s how to address common issues.
Common Pests
Occasionally, pests like spider mites, whiteflies, or scale insects appear. Control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Diseases To Watch For
Mulberry trees are susceptible to leaf spot, canker, and root rot. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to help prevent these issues.
Root System Management
Everbearing mulberry trees have invasive root systems that can damage nearby structures. To manage this:
- Plant trees at least 20 feet away from buildings and underground utilities.
- Install root barriers if you’re planting them near paved areas.
- Regularly prune roots that surface or cause issues.
FAQ About Everbearing Mulberry Trees
How big do dwarf everbearing mulberry trees grow?
The dwarf variety grows to a maximum height of 10–15 feet tall.
Can you eat from a mulberry tree?
Mulberries are edible, whether you want to eat them fresh from the tree or use them for cooking.
How do you take care of a mulberry tree?
Make sure to plant your everbearing mulberry tree in well-draining, loamy soil in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. Fertilize once a year in spring, water weekly, and only prune in winter when the tree is dormant.
Do mulberry trees have invasive roots?
Everbearing mulberry tree roots are invasive, so avoid planting them near buried utility lines or septic systems.
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