How to Transplant Mulberry Tree?

After growing mulberry seedlings in pots, you must transplant them. Because for proper root establishment, they require spacious soil bedding. Or else the foliage wilts and the plants stop growing. So, to grow healthy mulberry trees, you need to know how to transplant mulberry tree. 

Exposing the potted root system and sliding the Mulberry free from the pot are the key steps of replanting. Then, planting them in a deep hole with compost follows. However, the seedlings and transplant location do require preparation beforehand. For your ease, I will list down every know-how! 

How to Transplant Mulberry Tree: Step-by-Step Instructions

Though Mulberry trees are drought resistant, they cannot withstand enough stress while transplanting the pot seedlings. Therefore, you need to be very careful while moving them to the ground. To prevent any damage to the rootball, follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the Location 

Before digging out the mulberry seedling, choose the location to plant it. If you remove the young plants first from the pot and then go on inspecting the transplanting site, it would cause stress. As a result, the plants will start losing vigor. 

So, choose a place that receives full sunlight and has a drainage system. Make sure there are no other plants or objects too close to the location. Or else, mulberry fruits can drop on the property and make debris. Also, without enough space, the branches will not be able to grow properly. 

Step 2: Prune and Trim 

While the seedlings are in the pot or container, trim their sides. And prune any crisscross and dead branches. Also, trim off the wilted or diseased leaves. 

Try to make small cuts slightly above the nodes. This step will tidy up the plants. So, while planting them, there will be fewer droppings from the trees. It promotes air–circulation as well. I’d suggest you follow these pruning tips:

Step 3: Prepare Planting Hole 

Before digging the planting hole, water the mulberry and let the water drain. Meanwhile, with a shovel, dig a hole at the soil line that is 3X the width of the mulberry rootball. 

Decrease the width at the bottom so that the hole is 1.5x the width of the rootball. Do not make it too deep. Half inches of the root ball should stay above the edges after planting. 

Step 4: Prepare the Soil 

Let’s mix organic compost with the soil you have removed. Both the mix should be equal in quantity. Then, mix these properly. This organic fertilizer will promote root growth against extreme conditions. 

Step 5: Dig Out the Plant 

Gently remove the soil around the mulberry rootball. Try to lift and loosen it from the container. Sway its trunk so that lifting becomes easier. But do not keep much soil around the roots or its weight may cause mulberry tree transplant shock. Finally, hold the tree by its lower trunk and pull it out. 

If there are tangled roots, untangle them. Also, make four “2 inches-deep” cuts around their surface to expose the root ball as much as possible.

Step 6: Transplant 

Place the plant in the middle of the hole and spread the roots. The rootball should remain half inches above the top soil line. Spread the soil-compost mix and tap the soil around the roots gently. Then, pour water over the mulberry. 

Use the rest of the compost mix to make a mound around the plant. Again water the mulberry. Meanwhile, add a thick layer of mulch around the tree bed. 

What to Consider Before Transplanting the Mulberry Tree?

Transplanting a mulberry tree in unusual habitats or conditions will not let the plant grow. So, before you move it to your garden and yard, note down these guidelines as described –

1. Time 

The dormant season is the ideal time to replant any fruit tree, including Mulberry. During winter, the plant remains inactive. But it cannot withstand the frost.

So, try to move the plant in spring when the weather is neither too hot nor extremely cold. However, if spring lasts for a shorter period in your region, you may wonder when to transplant mulberry cuttings. In that case, wait for mild weather. Or you can plant the potted seedling in the fall.

If you want to transplant it in winter, make sure to add a tarp over the tree. And preserve the heat of the soil with mulch so that the frost cannot damage the freshly planted rootball.

2. Soil 

The moisture level in the soil matters for Mulberry growth. Dry soil can dehydrate and kill the plant before it matures. And overwatered soil can rot the tree roots. 

You need to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. And avoid replanting in clay-heavy locations. This is because clay soil preserves excessive water and moisture that can be detrimental to the roots’ health.

 The soil or yard should have a proper drainage system. So, choose a loamy soil texture that does not retain water during rain. 

3. Don’t Over Prune 

Mulberry trees do not require excessive pruning. So, while trimming off the sides before planting them, do not make any deep cuts, slits, and trims. 

Try to cut off the crowded shoots so that the plant can grow in a controlled shape. Or else the branches start directing in every direction that may require heavy pruning. And those frequent cuts can build root stress. 

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q’s):

Conclusion 

Many gardeners prefer planting seeds or young plants right away before preparing them in containers. But it does not promote healthy growth in the roots. Therefore, the plants do not bear fruits. In order to avoid the scenario, there is no alternative to transplanting the tree.

And once you know how to transplant mulberry tree, it will take you less of a hassle to prepare for the process. Do not forget to wear gloves while handling the Mulberry plants. Because some of them produce toxic sap that irritates human skin.