How to Prune Weeping Mulberry Trees
A well-pruned weeping mulberry tree (Morus alba) features a graceful cascade of drooping branches. Ideally, this small tree will have a uniform, dome-like shape with no awkward limbs in sight. Achieving this design doesn't require much artistry once you understand which limbs to remove and why.
Tips for Pruning Mulberry Trees
Stark Bro's recommends pruning weeping mulberry trees in the winter when they're still dormant. Mulberry trees pruned any other time of year will "bleed." There is one exception: It's easier to identify and cut back old branches in the spring. They'll only have leaves on the end of the branches, and you can cut these branches back to about 4 or 5 inches to encourage new, leafy side branches to form.
To reduce the risk of spreading diseases to the tree, always use clean pruning shears before working on your mulberry tree. A diluted bleach solution is sufficient for sterilizing pruning shears. Be sure to also sharpen them on a whetstone as well; sharp pruning shears create the smoothest cut possible and allow the tree to heal faster. According to the Oregon State Extension Service, mulberry trees do not heal easily, so avoid making cuts any larger than 2 inches in diameter.
Finally, try not to leave a stump when making your cuts. Cut as close to the adjacent branch as possible. This not only looks more attractive, but it also ensures the nodes, which are capable of sprouting additional branches, are removed.
Mulberry Tree Pruning Instructions
Prune your weeping mulberry tree by removing dead wood, rubbing branches, and upright growth, thinning any remaining branches to balance the appearance of the tree and shortening branches that trail the ground.
A weeping mulberry's dead branches may be a little tricky to spot during dormancy, but one tell-tale clue is that dead wood will still have dried leaves clinging to it. It may also have visible signs of damage or fungal growth. If you're not sure whether a branch is truly dead, scrape off the bark with the edge of your pruning shears. If a green tinge is visible along the edges of the scrape, the branch is still alive.
Next, remove any branches that are growing into the center of the tree, crossing other branches, rubbing other branches, or generally impeding the flow of air to the center of the tree. Tree branches that receive plenty of air circulation in the heat of summer are less susceptible to disease. In addition, rubbing branches can suffer bark damage, which makes it easier for pests and pathogens to invade as well.
Shaping the Mulberry Tree
The next stage of pruning a mulberry tree involves removing any upright growth. These spiky branches are unlikely to droop like the others and need to be removed to give the tree its characteristic "umbrella" appearance. In addition, if these upright branches are allowed to sprout side branches, the tree may become more difficult to prune in the future because of the increased height. Keep manageability in mind when pruning a weeping mulberry tree.
Now, take a step back and look at the entire tree from all angles. Identify any clumps of branches that make the tree look "heavy" on one side. Thin these areas by removing entire branches and/or snipping off small side shoots to create one long branch. Next, you can shorten up the tips of all the branches to a height that looks good to you.
This concludes the winter pruning session. After the leaves sprout in spring, take one final inspection of the tree to cut back any old, bare wood. Cut it back far enough for the stump to be hidden by other branches, but leave it long enough for several new branches to sprout from it. Because you're making these cuts in the spring, consider applying a pruning sealer to encourage rapid healing on the cut branches.
- Missouri Botanical Garden recommends pruning weeping mulberry trees when the plant is dormant, to prevent it from bleeding sap.
Cathy Habas has been a full-time freelance writer since 2014. She graduated from Indiana University Southeast with a Bachelor's degree in English. She enjoys writing content that helps homeowners feel motivated and confident in handling projects around the home. Her work has been published around the web, including on home improvement sites like Ron and Lisa.