Have you ever walked into your backyard and noticed those stubborn mulberry trees that just don’t seem to fit in? I recall a summer day when I strolled through the garden with my grandmother.Â
The annoying roots were tripped over, saplings seemed to pop up everywhere, and yes, there were a few disgruntled murmurs from the neighbors across the fence about the shade and debris.Â
It became clear, sometimes, a mulberry tree needs to go for the greater good of your outdoor space and neighborhood harmony.
Does your mulberry tree feel more like a nuisance than an asset? Dive into this detailed step-by-step guide on how to professionally remove your mulberry tree.
Tools & Materials Required:
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- Brush
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- Gloves
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- Eye protection
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- Watering can
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- Chainsaw (optional)
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- Shovel
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- Hand drill
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- Herbicide
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- Drill bit
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- Paintbrush
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- Peeler
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- Various tree-killing chemicals
Table of Contents
ToggleUse Glyphosate
Remember the days of preparing the grill? Just like that, preparation is key.
Materials:Â
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- Glyphosate, brush, gloves, eye protection, watering can, chainsaw (optional), and shovel.
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- First, ensure you’re geared up with gloves and eye protection. Dig out any saplings with your trusty shovel, getting as much of the roots out as possible. Leftover roots might just be a reason for the tree’s return!
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- For the mature trees, it’s prime time between May and September. Slice through the roots or, for those stubborn ones, create gashes. Alternatively, cut the base of the tree to prepare it for the herbicide.
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- Glyphosate comes with specific mixing instructions. Once prepped, apply generously on the roots. Consider it the marinade for your unwelcome guest.
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Using a chainsaw can be tricky and dangerous, especially for first-timers. Consider seeking assistance from someone professional.
Drill Holes
Think of this as seasoning your mulberry tree, much like one would a steak on the grill.
Materials:Â
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- Hand drill, herbicide, drill bit, paintbrush, and gloves.
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- Cut the tree down with your chainsaw (always with protective gear). Paint the stump’s top with your chosen herbicide. For larger stumps, it’s drill time.
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- Drill holes around the stump’s top, about ¾-inch deep. Inject your herbicide.
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- Keep an eye out for new growths. These are the tree’s desperate attempts at revival. A continuous cut ensures the stump eventually loses its life force.
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Make a Naked Belt around the Trunk
A great way to cut off nutrient and water supply to the tree.
Instructions:
- Using a tree peeler, strip the tree’s bark all around, creating a circle about 10 cm wide.
- Dig deeper into this circle until the tree feels almost moist.
- Over time, the tree will wither away due to a lack of nutrients.
Pro Tip:Â For covert operations (like fixing a neighbor’s intrusive tree without raising eyebrows), peel near the base and cover with leaves or sand.
Mulberry Tree Killer Products
Not everyone’s a fan of wielding a chainsaw. If you’re looking for a slower chemical approach, we’ve got you covered.
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- For the smaller trees, opt for foliar spraying. Use chemicals best absorbed by the roots. But remember, drought conditions might make your efforts futile. Glyphosate is your go-to for late summer and early fall, whereas Imazapyr is a midsummer choice. Early birds in spring and summer can lean on dicamba, picloram, 2,4-D, or triclopyr.
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- The bigger trees demand the previous techniques but with additional chemicals. You can inject or brush with dichlorprop.
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- For soil surface application, consider tebuthiuron, hexazinone, or bromacil. They reach the roots through watering or rainfall.
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- Are roots invading your sewer lines? Pair an herbicide with a foaming agent like metamsodium or dichlobenil. However, always trust a licensed hand for these.
Frequently Ask Questions:
How deep are mulberry tree roots?
Mulberry tree roots can extend as deep as 4 feet into the soil. This extensive root system allows the tree to anchor itself firmly and access nutrients and water from deeper layers of the earth. While most of the tree’s feeder roots, responsible for water and nutrient absorption, are found in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil, the anchoring roots can penetrate much deeper.
What are the drawbacks of having mulberry trees?
Mulberry trees, while beautiful, can present some challenges. The berries they shed can leave stubborn stains on clothing, tarnish decks, and patios, and if parked nearby, vehicles may find themselves splattered with a reddish residue.
When is the best time to prune a mulberry tree?
It’s recommended to prune mulberry trees during the autumn, specifically after the leaves have fallen. This timing ensures the tree is dormant, reducing stress and potential harm during the cutting process.
How long is the lifespan of mulberry trees?
White mulberry trees boast impressive longevity, potentially reaching up to 100 years. However, in landscaped settings, they often have lifespans ranging between 25 to 50 years. On the other hand, red mulberry trees generally have shorter lifespans, typically enduring for 75 years or fewer.
Will the mulberry tree grow back?
Mulberry trees have a remarkable ability to recover and sprout new growth. Regardless of the severity of the cut along the branch, mulberries demonstrate resilience by producing new shoots, even when pruned back significantly.
Conclusion
Mulberry trees might seem tough, but your garden will be free from their shade with the right techniques and a dash of persistence. Equip yourself, approach it like a seasoned pro, and reclaim your backyard’s beauty. Happy gardening!