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The Art of Shaping a Magnificent Mulberry Tree – Simple Techniques for Stunning Results

The Mulberry tree is a beloved and familiar presence in many gardens and landscapes. Its graceful branches and lush foliage lend themselves perfectly to the art of bonsai and aesthetic pruning. With a few simple techniques, you can master the art of shaping a Mulberry tree into a stunning visual masterpiece.

Administrator

20 July, 2024

The mulberry tree is an ornamental plant that not only possesses high aesthetic value but also holds positive feng shui significance in daily life. Join us in exploring the art of shaping this beautiful tree.

1Varieties of Mulberry Trees

Depending on their origin, mulberry trees can be categorized into two types: the native mulberry and the American mulberry. The native mulberry is further divided into two subtypes: the male mulberry and the female mulberry.

Native mulberry trees are primarily grown for their shade, while American mulberries are cultivated for their fruit.

Varieties of Mulberry Trees

2Techniques for Shaping Mulberry Trees

When shaping a mulberry tree, start by bending the trunk, followed by the main branches, and finally, the smaller twigs. Begin bending from the root to the tip, working from larger to smaller branches.

Prior to bending, you may cut off unsightly branches to facilitate shaping.

While bending, avoid making it too tight or too loose. The wrapping should be at a 45-degree angle to the trunk’s vertical axis. Then, twist the branches in the direction of the wrapping wire. After a year, the wire can be removed.

3Steps to Shape a Beautiful Mulberry Tree

Step 1 Prune the Leaves

Before shaping, prune the leaves that are too close together

To begin shaping your mulberry tree, first, prune the leaves that are growing too closely together, as well as any branches that are parallel, evenly spaced, or overlapping.

Additionally, remove branches that curve towards each other, cross, or are symmetrical, as well as drooping branches to maintain the tree’s aesthetic appeal.

Step 2 Bend the Branches

Now, proceed to bend the branches

After pruning the leaves, you’ll want to bend the branches of your mulberry tree from the inside out. Start with the main trunk, followed by the main branches, and then work your way up the tree from the root to the tip, bending the larger branches before the smaller ones.

Step 3 Wrap the Tree with Wire

Finally, wrap the tree with wire to fix its shape

To finalize the shaping process, use wire to secure the tree’s form. Insert one end of the wire deep into the soil, and … be careful not to wrap it too tightly or too loosely.

When wrapping the wire, cross it at a 45-degree angle from the root to the branches

When wrapping the wire, maintain a 45-degree angle from the root to the branches. For the branches, gently twist them in the direction of the wire wrapping, always holding the bark firmly. For trees that grow rapidly within 3-4 months, you’ll need to remove and rewrap the wire to create a fresh look.

4Caring for Your Mulberry Tree After Shaping

Watering and Fertilizing Your Shaped Tree

Mulberry trees love water, so be sure to water them after shaping

Watering: Mulberry trees thrive with ample water, so make sure to give them a good drink after shaping. When your tree is thirsty, it will develop scales on its trunk and branches to withstand drought. If you notice these scales, water your tree immediately!
Light: Place your shaped mulberry tree in a well-lit area, avoiding harsh direct sunlight, as this will slow its growth. Too much shade or insufficient light will result in fewer branches, and the existing branches will elongate, detracting from the tree’s appearance.
Fertilizing: Fertilize your tree once or twice a year, preferably at the beginning or end of the rainy season, when the tree can better absorb the nutrients.

Caring for Your Tree to Promote Fruiting After Shaping

To ensure your tree thrives and bears fruit after shaping, cover any wounds with a sealant.

You can also use a special oil derived from kerosene or gasoline to treat open wounds in the tree’s upper wood layer.

Keep a close eye on your tree for any signs of infection, and be prepared to take action if necessary. After shaping, your tree will require a significant amount of nutrients to recover, so this is an excellent time to provide it with a balanced fertilizer.

The ideal time to shape your mulberry tree is towards the end of summer or in early August. During mid-summer, the tree is vibrant with new leaves and buds, brimming with energy. However, shaping it towards the end of summer gives it a better chance of recovery, reducing the risk of pest infestations and diseases that are more prevalent during other months.

Caring for Your Tree to Promote Fruiting After Shaping

Encouraging Your Mulberry Tree to Fruit Sooner

To encourage your mulberry tree to grow faster, in addition to following the above advice, you’ll need to chop the roots and trunk in September-October annually. If you want your tree to fruit sooner, you must stimulate it by withholding water for 15-20 days and removing all its leaves.

Once new leaves appear, resume regular care, and within three months, your tree should bear flowers and fruit. This method works best from June to August, with the fruiting season arriving towards the end of the year.

Additionally, you can stimulate fruiting by making a few cuts near the tree’s base to release sap. For potted trees, repot them into larger containers, add biofertilizer, and withhold water for 2-3 months, after which they will shed their leaves and begin to fruit.

However, refrain from pruning the flower stalks that adhere to the trunk after fruiting and falling off, as new fruits will grow from these stalks. If you wish to encourage fruiting in a different location on the tree, only then should you cut off the existing stalks. New fruits will develop on older parts of the trunk.

5Beautiful Mulberry Tree Shapes

Unusual Mulberry Tree Shape

Weeping Mulberry Tree

Mulberry Bonsai

Beautiful Mulberry Tree

The techniques outlined above offer simple yet effective ways to shape and style your mulberry tree. We hope you found this guide informative and inspiring.