The mulberry tree is a tree that can grow in nature or in the garden. It is very easy to grow and It is crucial to prune it regularly to ensure its health., obtain good fruits and enjoy its shade.
Pruning young mulberry trees is especially important, as these cuts are made when the tree is growing. will benefit it and help it grow strong and become a great tree for years to come.
In this article, we will explore the best steps and techniques for pruning a young mulberry tree for optimal fruit production.
Mulberry Pruning Basics
Pruning is a vital activity for all trees and plants, and it is especially important when it comes to mulberry trees. It is carried out in a similar way to that of other trees, but the timing of pruning depends on what you want to get out of the tree.
If you want the tree to provide shade and be ornamental, if you want to attract birds or to harvest its fruits. If your goal is to grow a mulberry tree to obtain its fruits You should prune it every year, if it is to provide shade and attract birds, it only needs to be pruned every two or three years.
Regular pruning always helps it to look good, promotes vigorous growth and fruit production. The best time to prune is during the tree's dormant period, before new growth begins in spring.
However, young mulberry trees can also be pruned at other times of the year if necessary.
Steps to prune a young mulberry tree
Step 1: Start by inspecting your young mulberry tree to determine which branches need to be removed. Look for dead or diseased twigs, or those that cross and rub against each other - these are the branches you should remove.
You have to do this because they can hinder the circulation of air and light throughout the tree.
Also leaves that are diseased, discolored, or have unusual growth patterns You have to remove them because they can affect the health of the tree and also spread diseases to healthy branches.
Step 2: It is very important to identify if there are aquatic shoots or suckers. They are thin, straight stems that root quickly and can quickly become a problem if not controlled.
These shoots grow near the trunk of the bush competing for food with the main branches leaving them without nutrients, water and light so may reduce flower and fruit production. It is very important to identify and eliminate them because they can also increase the risk of diseases and pests.
Step 3: Now it's time to shape your young mulberry tree. Start by shortening any branches that are too long or straggly. Trimming these branches will help give it a balanced shape and stimulate growth. closer to the trunk.
Step 4: Finally, it's time to make any smaller cuts to shape the tree. Look for branches that are growing in the wrong direction or are too close together. Try to make smaller cuts to refine the crown and encourage the circulation of air and light throughout the tree.
Mulberry tree care after pruning
After pruning, you must provide the necessary care so that it heals correctly and develops.
- Check water needs during drier periods and try to keep the soil moist so that new shoots can grow.
- Remember that overwatering can cause root rot. Also applying some balanced fertilizer or compost is very good to replenish the nutrients in the soil.
- A good option could be to incorporate earthworm humus or compost to provide all the organic matter and additional nutrients.
How to choose the best tools for pruning a young mulberry tree
It is important to have the right tools for the job when it comes to pruning a young mulberry tree. because it will give you precision in your work and will also guarantee the health of the tree.
The pruning shears They have to be sharp and clean, this tool gives you a clean and smooth cut on small branches. Keep in mind that These cuts help prevent damage to the remaining branch and also reduce the risk of spreading disease.
Try to use hand saws and pruning saws with sharp, sturdy blades and comfortable, easy-to-maneuver handles.
If you are going to work with slightly larger branches, a pruning saw is the ideal tool. It needs to be sharp and you will be able to make clean and efficient cuts so that the tree can heal faster and also prevent the spread of diseases.
To keep your mulberry tree healthy, you need to sterilize your tools before using them, especially if you have used them to prune other varieties of fruit trees. This is important to do in case you have found pests or diseases in your garden.
How to sterilize pruning tools?
- A simple solution of one part vinegar to nine parts water is sufficient. You should rinse and dry tools thoroughly to prevent corrosion.
- Another option is to use a mixture of water and chlorine, but in this case it contains somewhat toxic substances and it is best to use natural products for the garden.
- You may want to keep a pot of high-quality compost and well-drained soil on hand that is ready for any cuttings you want to propagate.
- It is a good way to take advantage of the efforts of pruning and to be able to multiply the collection of mulberry trees. Remember that you can grow mulberry trees from cuttings.
It is very important to prune your mulberry tree when it is young, as this is a way to ensure that you define a good structure to create a strong and healthy tree for years to come.
If you do it properly in the first few years, you will ensure balanced, vigorous and resistant growth. The best time to prune is during its dormant period, before new growth begins in spring.
With these tips and care that you need to take when choosing the tools, pruning and post-pruning, you can help the mulberry tree recover, grow back stronger and have a healthier tree with abundant seasonal fruits.