Pruning Mulberry Trees: [Importance, Season, Tools, Considerations and Steps]

The work of pruning mulberry is one of the things you should be most aware of when there is a species of morus alba (scientific name) in the garden.

The procedure itself is simple and you will be able to execute it even if you have not done it before, just being careful to apply the instructions that we mention here.

The idea, in the first instance, is to give the tree the correct shape. Later, the pruning will be oriented to maintain a healthy and well-cared structure.

What do you say? Shall we begin to detail all the aspects related to the pruning of the mulberry tree?

Why prune the mulberry tree?

The pruning of the mulberry responds to different objectives. The good thing is that by applying it you will be managing to comply with all of them at the same time. Here we count:

1. Ensure a considerable increase in the annual production, as well as better quality in the fruits.
2. Structure the tree properly to make it much easier to collect the fruits at the right time. A mulberry tree that does not have training pruning can grow very tall and make this process difficult.
3. Make it easier for air and light to penetrate the entire structure of the tree, thus helping the photosynthesis process to take place and the plant to be healthier.
4. Improve the overall appearance of the tree, preventing growth from making it look messy.
5. Reduce the chances of being affected by diseases.

When is it better to carry out pruning of mulberry trees?

Pruning must be carried out when the tree is in vegetative rest, preferably during winter days.

It is common for frosts to be part of these days, which can be harmful to the health of the tree.

Therefore, it is best to use the transition space between winter and spring because the tree will still be at rest but will soon reactivate to heal its wounds.

What tools should we use when pruning mulberry trees?

The mulberry is a plant that has different thicknesses around its branches, which requires the use of appropriate tools for each one.Two-handed gardening shears are essential for dealing with most branches.

For thicker branches you will have to use a handsaw or, if necessary, an electric saw.

All these tools must be properly disinfected and have an appropriate cutting capacity so as not to cause extra damage to the mulberry.

What considerations should we take into account when pruning mulberry trees?

Mulberry trees can be pruned in different ways depending on the characteristics of the tree and its age, so defining this is the first step. Then you will have to proceed with an overall assessment of the branches.

By not having leaves, this part of the procedure will be much easier for you. In this evaluation, the idea is to design a mental plan to follow for the favorable execution of the task.

How to prune mulberry trees without damaging the tree?

There are three types of pruning of mulberry trees: training, production or renewal. Let’s see each one.

formation pruning

It is the one that is executed when the tree is still young and it is necessary to create an appropriate structure for its growth and development.

It is applied for 3 consecutive years, focusing the cuts on specific areas in each case.In the first year all the branches that have grown are removed.

In the second, those that are lower and the rest up to 2/3 of its length. In the third year, they are pruned again up to 2/3 of their length and those that are growing in a disorderly way are eliminated.

production pruning

This pruning has the purpose of improving the general conditions of the canopy, such as access to sunlight and air flow.

To do this, it is necessary to remove all the branches that are in poor condition and that grow towards the center of the tree.

You have to remove most of the hickeys, focusing especially on those that look weaker.

Productive branches can be pruned up to 2/3 of their length to renew part of their structure.

rejuvenation pruning

This pruning is applied to mulberry trees when they are older and have lost the ability to offer good harvests.The idea is to reduce all parts of the tree to the base of the trunk so that they can grow back vigorously.

Expert gardeners apply a drastic cut but if you don’t feel confident with that, it’s best to apply progressive pruning over the next 3 years.

If the pruning is carried out following the specified steps and all this task is complemented with fertilization, the plant will be in optimal conditions.

Remember that as it is a productive plant, it needs to spend a lot of energy and pruning helps it to concentrate on the parts that are most worthwhile.

• Mulberry Pests and Diseases: How to Identify and Treat Them