Question
Mulberry Tree
I am in West Texas out on a ranch. I have Mulberry trees with out berries, around the house. (this is what I was told they are) They were pruned in the EARLY spring. They are doing well.
I have a few smaller branches that are going over a fence and the goats and sheep are eating the leaves off of them. The branches look terrible and I am concerned they may kill the branch. May I cut the branches back so they no longer go over the fence? When is the best time to cut them. They are not HUGE limbs.
THANK YOU!! I appreciate you taking your time to answer.
AnswerThe best time to prune a Mulberry tree is in the dormant season when there are no leaves on the tree. Deciduous trees like mulberry trees are best pruned when the leaves are dormant. Late fall or early spring is the best time, whether your tree is fruit bearing or not. Pruning in late summer can encourage new growth which can be cut short at the first frost and impede next spring's growth. In the fall, prune when frost is imminent and leaves are falling. In spring time, prune before new growth is under way. Never prune a tree in mid-growing season because it will be less effective and may shorten the life of the tree.
Prune the branch off about 1/4 inch from the trunk. This will leave a branch collar and the wound will heal over by itself.
