Mulberry trees are deciduous fruiting trees that produce edible berries over an extended harvest season in summer and fall. With their fast growth rate and modest size, mulberry trees are suitable for many home landscapes. But exactly how big do mulberry trees get at maturity?
There are several factors that influence the ultimate height and width of mulberry trees Read on for a complete guide to mulberry tree size
Typical Mature Height of Mulberry Trees
On average, most mulberry tree varieties will reach a mature height somewhere in the range of 30-50 feet tall at full size with a canopy spread of 30-40 feet wide. However exact dimensions can vary significantly based on the specific cultivar.
Here are some approximate mature height ranges for common mulberry tree types:
- White mulberry (Morus alba) – 30-50 feet tall
- Red mulberry (Morus rubra) – 35-70 feet tall
- Black mulberry (Morus nigra) – 15-30 feet tall
- Pakistani/King’s mulberry (Morus laevigata) – 30-50 feet tall
- Texas mulberry (Morus microphylla) – 20-40 feet tall
- Dwarf/everbearing mulberry – 8-15 feet tall
So as you can see, mulberry tree size can be quite variable depending on the variety. Red mulberry tends to be one of the largest varieties, capable of growing up to 70 feet tall in ideal conditions. The dwarf mulberry varieties reach a maximum of about 15 feet tall.
Factors Affecting Mulberry Tree Height
Several key factors influence the ultimate height and spread of a mulberry tree:
Genetics
Genetics play a major role in determining size, Selecting a smaller variety like dwarf mulberry or a larger variety like red mulberry will dictate tree dimensions right from the start,
Growing Conditions
Soil quality, sunlight exposure, moisture levels and climate can all affect growth rate and total size. Rich, fertile soil and ample moisture typically yield larger mulberry trees.
Pruning and Training
Frequent pruning, training branches, and picking a central leader trunk will restrict size. Allowing the tree to grow freely with minimal pruning can enable maximum height.
Container Growing
If grown in a container or restricted root space, the mulberry tree’s size will be limited to the available root zone. In-ground plants have more potential to get large.
As you can see, the eventual height and spread of a mulberry tree is influenced by a variety of factors. Next, let’s look at size specifics for popular mulberry tree types.
Dwarf Mulberry Tree Height
As the name suggests, dwarf mulberry varieties are prized for their petite, compact size. Here are some details on dwarf mulberry tree height:
- Mature height: 8-15 feet tall
- Mature canopy width: 8-12 feet wide
- Growth rate: Up to 1 foot per year
Dwarf mulberry trees are ideal choices where space is limited. Their capped-off size makes them suitable for smaller yards or even large containers. Expect these cute mulberries to reach their full mature stature over about 8-15 years.
Proper pruning can help restrict dwarf mulberry height and prevent them from growing beyond their compact form. These pint-sized trees yield full-size mulberries!
White Mulberry Tree Size
The fast-growing white mulberry (Morus alba) reaches these typical dimensions:
- Mature height: 30-50 feet
- Mature width: 30-40 feet wide
- Trunk diameter: 12-24 inches
- Growth rate: Up to 3 feet per year
Under optimal conditions, white mulberry trees can grow remarkably fast, shooting up 3 feet or more annually. So in just 10 years, they can easily tower over 30 feet tall. Their sprawling, dense branches provide excellent shade.
Controlling height through pruning is recommended for white mulberries used in home landscaping. Otherwise their vigour can lead to massive size.
Red Mulberry Tree Height
The red mulberry (Morus rubra) is one of the largest mulberry species, with a mature size around:
- Mature height: 35-70 feet tall
- Mature width: 35-45 feet wide
- Trunk diameter: Up to 2 feet
- Growth rate: Up to 2 feet per year
While red mulberry trees can get as tall as 70 feet, they typically grow to be between 35 and 50 feet tall. Their canopy can get up to 40 feet wide and they have a small trunk with a diameter that can get up to two feet.
The red mulberry is native to North America and grows incredibly fast when young. Pruning is needed to restrict its size as a landscape specimen.
Weeping Mulberry Tree Size
Weeping mulberry trees are intriguing ornamental variants that have a dramatically cascading growth habit. Here are their typical dimensions:
- Mature height: 8-15 feet tall
- Mature width: 15-25 feet wide
- Growth rate: Up to 1 foot per year
Weeping mulberry varieties are grafted, meaning they grow on top of a standard mulberry tree trunk to create the signature weeping appearance. So while their vertical height stays compact, weeping mulberries spread out wide. Give them plenty of horizontal space!
Controlling Mulberry Tree Size
To restrict the size of mulberry trees, commit to regular pruning each year. Here are some tips:
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Prune actively growing trees in late winter. Remove crossing, damaged and inward-facing branches.
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Prune to shape the canopy, reducing the overall height and width. Always cut back to an outward facing bud or branch.
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Thin out congested interior branches to open up air flow and light penetration.
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For dwarf types, prune to reduce leggy growth and maintain their petite form.
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Over time, continually prune to encourage a desired canopy shape and keep growth contained.
With consistent, careful pruning, you can manage the ultimate dimensions of your mulberry tree.
Ideal Conditions for Maximum Growth
To enable your mulberry tree to reach its full genetic height potential, provide these key conditions:
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Planting site – Pick a spot with full sun exposure to fuel rapid growth.
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Soil – Prepare a rich planting area by amending with compost and manure.
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Watering – Water young trees regularly to establish deep roots. Provide supplemental water in droughts.
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Fertilizer – Feed annually in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer.
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Pruning – Avoid excess pruning and branch removal to encourage full size.
Given the right nurturing care and growing conditions, mulberry trees can achieve their maximum programmed stature. But keeping their growth in check through pruning is better for residential settings.
Container Grown Mulberry Trees
Growing mulberry trees in containers will automatically restrict their size. Here are typical size ranges:
- Dwarf mulberry in container – Maximum 8 feet tall and wide
- Standard mulberry in container – Maximum 10-12 feet tall and wide
The key is choosing a large enough pot, at least 20-30 gallon capacity, to allow adequate root room. Prune the top growth annually to keep the tree’s height in balance with the roots below ground.
Container grown mulberries will be smaller than in-ground plants, but can still yield abundant fruit!
Final Thoughts
When provided the right growing conditions, most mulberry trees are eager fast growers that can reach 30-60 feet tall at maturity. However, compact dwarf cultivars max out under 15 feet tall.
To control their ultimate size, commit to pruning annually. With regular haircuts, mulberry tree height can be restricted even in large varieties. So don’t be intimidated to plant a mulberry tree – with a pruning plan in place, their growth can be managed!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mulberry Tree Size
Here are answers to some common questions about how big mulberry trees get:
How tall does a weeping mulberry tree grow?
Weeping mulberry trees reach a mature height of 8-15 feet tall. However, their cascading branches spread horizontally 15-25 feet wide.
What is the best mulberry tree for small yards?
For small garden spaces, choose a dwarf mulberry variety. These compact trees only grow 8-15 feet tall. Some good dwarf mulberry cultivars include Dwarf Everbearing, Micro Mulberry, and Mini Fruiting Mulberry.
Should I prune my mulberry tree?
Yes, pruning is recommended to control the size and shape of mulberry trees. Start shaping and restricting growth when trees are young. Prune actively growing trees in late winter each year.
How often should you prune a mulberry tree?
Plan on pruning mulberry trees annually to remove dead wood, shape the canopy, and restrict size. More frequent pruning, such as twice per year, can further reduce height.
What is the largest mulberry tree?
Of common varieties, the red mulberry (Morus rubra) reaches the tallest mature height at 50-70 feet. However, under ideal conditions red mulberry can potentially get even taller.
Can I grow a mulberry tree in a container?
Yes, with annual pruning, mulberry trees can be maintained in large containers. Dwarf varieties are best suited for pots. Limit container grown mulberries to about 8-10 feet tall.
The Takeaway
With stunning spring flowers and a long summer harvest of tasty berries, mulberry trees deserve a spot in any landscape. Their fast yet manageable growth habit makes it simple to restrict their ultimate height and spread. Focus on pruning each year to keep your mulberry tree at a size that fits your garden space.
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Pick Mulberries All Year Long With This Easy to Grow Fruit Tree
If you want fresh berries all year, the Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry Tree is a beautiful tree to have in your yard.
The flowers of the botanical name Morus nigra start to bloom in early spring, and the medium-sized black berries keep coming out all summer long. The long, sweet, and juicy fruit doesn’t last long, so you can eat it right off the tree or make jams, jellies, and wine. The juicy berries are about the size of blackberry and taste deliciously similar!.
Black mulberry fruit is good for you in many ways. It can boost your immune system, is full of vitamin C and other vitamins and antioxidants, and can even improve your vision. It also tastes great and makes you want more.
Dwarf mulberry bushes are fruit trees that can reproduce on their own, so they don’t need another pollinator to make berries. You can grow the plant as a multi-stemmed bush or train it into a small tree. The Mulberry leaves are heart-shaped and abundant on the branches during the active growing seasons. The tree’s leaves will fall off in the winter so it can go into dormancy and get ready to bear fruit.
Only a small space is required to produce full-size berries with this dwarf fruit tree. They are perfect for small spaces in your yard. Harvest the berries from May to July depending on your location and climate. You’ll have berries in the first year of planting!.