Weeping Mulberry Tree

The weeping mulberry is a deciduous plant species which is spread widely throughout Asia and North America. These trees are available in varieties; one which bears fruits while the other is the fruitless mulberry tree. The weeping mulberries are found in many different colors. These trees have a vast expanse and their height ranges from 20-60 feet.

Facts about Weeping Mulberry Tree

The mulberry tree produces sweet berries that are white, pink or purplish in color; these berries are known for their sweet taste. The adjective 'weeping' is prefixed to the name of this mulberry tree because, the branches grow upwards and then droop down after expanding sideways. The female tree plant produces fruits after it grows for 4-5 years. Depending on the type of mulberry tree, colors of berries are determined. Purple and red berries are produced by red mulberry trees, while the white tree bears fruits that are white, pink or purplish in color.

How to Grow a Weeping Mulberry
The process of growing weeping mulberry plants is provided in short, through the following instructions.

• Growing mulberry trees is easier as compared to other plants, due to its hardy nature. Healthy growth of weeping mulberry is possible in hardiness zones ranging from '4' to '8'.
• Burlapped saplings should be used for planting. The weeping mulberry is drought-tolerant and flourishes in well-drained soils. One can think about growing this plant both in sunlight as well as shade.
• To plant the sapling, a hole that is 3-4 times the width of root ball should be dug. Depth of the hole should be equal to that of the width.
• The tree should be planted in the hole and placed in a straight position. A small amount of soil should be filled in the hole, followed by watering it. The remaining soil should be used to fill the ditch completely.
• Once the process of planting is over, the area around roots need to be covered with mulch; about 3-4 inch layer of mulch is recommended for this plant. The practice of mulching helps in moisture retention.
• Regular watering for the first few years help in establishing the plant properly. Being a hardy plant, the weeping mulberry thereafter, survives in droughts as well.
• The problem caused by pests and insects to this plant is not significant. Thus, one need not spend much time in this tree care.
• The commonly used cultivars for plantation are the Morus alba 'Chaparral' (male) and Morus alba 'Pendula' (female).

Pruning the Weeping Mulberry
The practice of pruning weeping mulberries help in air and light circulation, apart from enhancing its appearance. Pruning is done in the dormant season, i.e. when the leaves have fallen off. One shouldn't prune the tree in growing phase, so as to prevent any kind of damage to the plant. The unwanted branches need to be pruned. Branches which intersect and cause damage to each other's surface should also be pruned. One should prune the branches in such a manner that the point at which they start off from the trunk should be cut off. Those branches which touch the ground should also be pruned to give the whole tree a proper shape.

The facts about weeping mulberry tree and the instructions to grow it, would help in the care of this plant. One can grow this deciduous plant in the backyard with minimum effort.