Mulberry trees (Morus genus) are prized for their fast-growing canopy, attractive foliage, and abundance of sweet, flavorful fruit. These long-lived deciduous trees make an excellent addition to a home garden, providing both shade and a generous harvest. Before deciding on a location to buy your tree, it is important to understand the different varieties available and the specific format in which they are sold. The purchasing process requires forethought about your climate and the space you have available to ensure the tree thrives after planting.
Selecting the Best Mulberry Variety
The first decision involves choosing the appropriate species of mulberry, as the three main types differ significantly in their hardiness, growth habit, and fruit flavor. Morus alba, commonly known as the White Mulberry, is the most widely adaptable species, tolerating cold temperatures down to USDA Zone 4. While its fruit color can range from white to black, its flavor is generally considered the least complex, often described as very sweet but sometimes cloying.
The native North American species, Morus rubra or Red Mulberry, produces fruit that is typically deep red to black with a more balanced, acidic undertone. This species is also quite cold-tolerant and performs better than M. alba in areas with less intense sunlight. Many popular cultivars are actually hybrids of M. rubra and M. alba, created to combine the improved flavor with the White Mulberry’s vigor and adaptability.
For those prioritizing fruit quality, the Black Mulberry (Morus nigra) offers a rich, sweet-tart flavor. M. nigra is the slowest-growing and longest-lived species, but it is also the least cold-hardy, requiring warmer climates, often USDA Zone 8 or higher. Some varieties may tolerate Zone 6 when properly sheltered. Selecting the correct species based on your regional climate is essential for the tree’s long-term survival.
Different Sourcing Locations for Trees
After selecting the desired variety, buyers must consider where they will source the tree, as the location influences both the cost and the available selection. Local nurseries and garden centers are an excellent starting point, offering the advantage of immediate inspection and advice specific to your microclimate. The main drawback to these locations is that they often carry a limited selection, usually stocking only the most common and locally adapted cultivars.
Specialty fruit tree nurseries provide the widest selection, often including rare or grafted cultivars of Morus nigra. These nurseries frequently operate via mail-order, allowing access to varieties grown across the country. Buyers must factor in shipping costs and the lack of pre-purchase inspection. Reputable specialty growers offer stock that is truer to name, which is important given the frequent mislabeling of mulberry varieties.
Purchasing through large online retailers or big-box stores offers convenience and competitive pricing, particularly for common Morus alba or Morus rubra hybrids. These sources often lack the quality control and expert handling found at dedicated nurseries, and trees may be handled roughly. Buyers lose the opportunity to inspect the tree before it is shipped. The widest selection of deciduous fruit trees becomes available during their dormant season in late winter or early spring.
Understanding Purchase Formats and Inspection
Mulberry trees are sold in two formats: bare root or container-grown. Bare root trees are dug up while dormant, with the soil washed away, and are generally the most affordable option. This format encourages a strong root system after planting, but requires the tree to be planted immediately upon arrival, usually between late winter and early spring.
Container-grown trees, which are sold in soil, offer flexibility since they can be planted almost any time of year, provided the weather is not excessively hot or cold. While more expensive, container trees reduce transplant shock. They must be inspected carefully for circling or “pot-bound” roots, which can girdle the tree and cause long-term decline. If circling roots are observed, they must be gently teased out or cut before planting to ensure proper outward growth.
Regardless of the format, thorough inspection is necessary to ensure a healthy specimen. For bare root trees, the roots should appear moist and flexible, not brittle or mushy, and the tree should have plump growth buds. Buyers should check the trunk and branches for signs of damage, pests, or diseases. If the tree is a grafted variety, the graft union—the slightly swollen area on the lower trunk—must be intact and free of cracks.
Establishing Your New Mulberry Tree
Once the healthy tree is acquired, immediate planting is necessary, especially for bare root stock which should not remain out of the ground for more than a week. Mulberries perform best in full sun and deep, well-drained soil, though they are tolerant of various soil types. The tree should be set so that the root flare—the point where the trunk widens at the base—is level with the surrounding soil.
For grafted trees, ensure the graft union remains a few inches above the soil line to prevent the scion from developing its own roots. After backfilling the hole, eliminate air pockets by gently tamping down the soil and watering deeply. This initial saturation helps settle the soil and ensures good contact between the roots and the earth.
Young mulberry trees require regular, deep watering during their first growing season to encourage the establishment of a strong root system. Placing a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree will help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, but the mulch should never directly touch the trunk. Temporary staking may be needed for very young or tall specimens in windy locations, providing support until the roots are firmly anchored in the ground.