Mulberry trees are fast-growing deciduous trees that produce sweet edible fruits. Their modest size makes them an attractive option for many home landscapes. But if you’re considering planting a mulberry tree a key question is how big do mulberry trees get at maturity?
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about typical mulberry tree size, factors that affect growth, and how to control size through pruning.
Typical Mature Height of Mulberry Trees
On average, most mulberry varieties reach a mature height between 30-50 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide once fully grown. However, exact dimensions can vary significantly depending 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
As you can see, mulberry tree size can be quite variable depending on the variety. The red mulberry tends to be one of the largest varieties, reaching up to 70 feet tall under ideal conditions. Dwarf mulberry varieties max out around 15 feet in height.
Key Factors That Affect Mulberry Tree Size
There are several key factors that influence the ultimate height and spread of a mulberry tree
-
Genetics Selecting a smaller variety like dwarf mulberry or a larger variety like red mulberry dictates size right from the start,
-
Growing conditions: Soil quality, sunlight, moisture levels, and climate all impact growth rate and total size. Rich soil and ample moisture typically yield larger trees.
-
Pruning and training: Frequent pruning, training branches, and picking a central leader restricts size. Allowing free growth maximizes height.
-
Container growing: Growth in containers or restricted root space limits size to the available root zone. In-ground plants have greater size potential.
As you can see, the eventual size of a mulberry tree depends on a variety of factors. Next, we’ll look at size specifics for popular mulberry varieties.
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 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 great choices where space is limited. Their capped-off size makes them suitable for smaller yards or even large containers. Expect dwarf mulberries to reach their mature size over 8-15 years.
Proper pruning helps restrict dwarf mulberry height and maintain 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 tall
- Mature width: 30-40 feet wide
- Trunk diameter: 12-24 inches
- Growth rate: Up to 3 feet per year
Under ideal conditions, white mulberry trees can grow remarkably fast, shooting up 3 feet or more per year. Their sprawling, dense branches provide excellent shade.
Pruning is recommended to control white mulberry height in home landscapes. Otherwise, their vigorous growth can lead to massive dimensions.
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 mulberries can reach 70 feet tall, they typically grow 35-50 feet tall. They can spread 40 feet wide and have a trunk diameter up to two feet.
Native to North America, the red mulberry grows incredibly fast when young. Pruning is needed to restrict its size as a landscape tree.
Weeping Mulberry Tree Size
Weeping mulberry trees are ornamental varieties with 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 mulberries are grafted, so they grow on top of a standard trunk to create the weeping appearance. Their vertical height stays compact, but they spread out wide horizontally.
Controlling Mulberry Tree Size
To restrict mulberry tree size, commit to regular annual pruning:
- Prune actively growing trees in late winter. Remove crossing, damaged, and inward branches.
- Prune to reduce height and width. Always cut back to an outward facing bud or branch.
- Thin congested interior branches to improve air flow and light penetration.
- For dwarf varieties, prune to reduce leggy growth and maintain petite form.
Over time, continual careful pruning can help manage the ultimate size of your mulberry tree.
Ideal Conditions for Maximum Growth
To enable your mulberry tree to reach its full genetic potential, provide:
- Full sun planting site
- Rich amended soil
- Regular watering, especially for young trees
- Annual fertilization in early spring
- Minimal pruning to encourage full size
With the right growing conditions, mulberry trees can achieve their maximum programmed height. But keeping their growth in check through pruning is better for most residential settings.
Container Grown Mulberry Trees
Growing mulberry trees in containers automatically restricts their size:
- 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 balance the tree’s height with the roots below ground.
Container grown mulberries will be smaller than in-ground plants, but can still yield abundant fruit.
Final Thoughts
Given the right conditions, most mulberry trees are fast growers that can reach 30-60 feet tall at maturity. However, dwarf cultivars max out under 15 feet.
With a yearly pruning plan, mulberry tree height can be controlled even in large varieties. Don’t be intimidated to plant one – with some pruning, their growth can be managed!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does a weeping mulberry tree grow?
Weeping mulberry trees reach 8-15 feet tall. However, their cascading branches spread 15-25 feet wide horizontally.
What is the best mulberry tree for small yards?
For small spaces, choose a dwarf mulberry variety. These compact trees only grow 8-15 feet tall. Good options include Dwarf Everbearing, Micro Mulberry, and Mini Fruiting Mulberry.
How often should you prune a mulberry tree?
Plan to prune mulberry trees annually to remove dead wood, shape the canopy, and restrict size. More frequent pruning, like twice per year, can further reduce height.
What is the largest mulberry tree variety?
Of common varieties, the red mulberry (Morus rubra) reaches the tallest mature height at 50-70 feet. Under ideal conditions it can potentially grow 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 flowers and tasty summer berries, mulberry trees deserve a spot in any landscape. Their fast yet manageable growth makes it simple to restrict their size. Focus on annual pruning to keep your mulberry tree fitting your garden space perfectly.
Full Planting & Care Instructions
Everbearing Mulberry Bush s are self-pollinating. You will get fruit with only one plant. However, adding an additional Everbearing Mulberry Bush will drastically increase the size of your crop.
1. Planting: Choose a location where your bush will receive full or partial sunlight and the soil drains well.
Dig a hole that is three times as wide as the root ball and equal in depth. Remove your bush from its container and place it into the hole, ensuring it is standing upright and the top of the root ball is even with the ground. Begin backfilling the hole with existing soil, tamping down lightly as you fill. Immediately water the area to settle the soil and help to eliminate air pockets.
Mulch around the base of the bush to conserve soil moisture and prevent weeds/grass from growing.
Note: This product grows best in well-draining soil. When you receive your plant, you may notice small, white beads or rocks in the soil – this medium is added to increase drainage and keep your plant happy and healthy!Â
2. Watering: Water your bush weekly while it is establishing. Once established, your normal rainfall will be enough unless you are experiencing extreme drought or heat.
3. Fertilizing: Apply any type of organic fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer in spring.4. Pruning: Very little pruning is needed to maintain the bush. Any dead or broken branches can be pruned in spring.
Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, youll receive an email with a tracking number.
| Amount of Order | Shipping Charge |
|---|---|
| Less than $ 99 | $19.95 |
| $ 99 + | FREE SHIPPING! |
| Mature Height : | 15 ft. |
| Mature Width : | 8-10 ft. |
| Sunlight : | Full Sun |
| Growth Rate : | Fast Growing |
| Harvest Time : | Summer |
| Year to Bear : | Can Fruit the 1st Year! |
| Botanical Name : | Morus nigra |
| Does Not Ship To : | AZ, OR |
| Grows Well In Zones : | 4-10 outdoors |
Delicious Berries on a Multi-Stem Bush
Delicious Berries the First YearIf you like blackberries – youll LOVE mulberries. And you can grow your own with this fruit bush! This Black Beauty produces succulent mulberries (that offer even more juicy flavor than blackberries!) The delicious and nutritious fruit grows in abundance from June to August. Its special because the berries ripen over an extended period of time… unlike many fruits which ripen all at once. This easy-to-grow bush, which can be trained into a tree form, will provide you and your family with enough fruit to keep you happy all summer.
Expect berries your very first year. Plant your mulberry bush in full sun to enjoy a delightful display of flowers around May. Then, it quickly sets fruit. Youll pick a surprising amount of berries, and while theyre absolutely delicious right off the vine, you can preserve them to enjoy throughout the year. Mulberries make tasty jams, jellies and taste amazing in pies.
Ornamental Bush Its not just a prolific producer of luscious fruit – the Black Beauty Mulberry quickly matures into a stately shrub or tree, when pruned. Swiftly reaching heights up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide, its a magnificent sight. Featuring large heart-shaped leaves, some sculpted with lobes, its a beautiful specimen that offers year-round interest. The bark on younger shrubs is typically an attractive orangish color, maturing to gray-brown.
Low Maintenance Dont be fooled by its beauty or ability to produce a massive amount of fruit. Its not complicated to own this bush at all! Weve groomed it here at our nursery until its ready for your landscape. Just plant it and enjoy watching it flower and fruit the first year. Our Black Beauty Mulberry Bushes are drought tolerant and extremely sturdy – able to tolerate high winds, extreme heat, poor soil, and pollution.
If you want a fruit tree that doubles as an attractive ornamental, then we highly recommend this bush. Always in demand, we tend to sell out quickly, so order now!