How Tall Do Mulberry Trees Grow

If you’re thinking of planting a mulberry tree, one of the first questions you’ll have is how tall do mulberry trees grow. Understanding their maximum height and spread is crucial for placing them correctly in your garden, so they have room to thrive without causing issues.

These fast-growing trees are loved for their sweet fruit and lush foliage, but their size can vary a lot. It depends on the specific type you choose and your local growing conditions. Getting this right means you can enjoy the tree for decades without it overwhelming your space.

So, what’s the short answer? A mature, standard mulberry tree can reach a maximum height of 30 to 70 feet, with a spread just as wide. That’s as tall as a five-story building! However, most in home gardens are kept smaller through pruning or by choosing a naturally smaller cultivar.

Their growth isn’t just upward; they grow outwards with equal enthusiasm. This makes them fantastic shade trees, but it also means you need to plant them well away from structures, underground pipes, and driveways.

The Three Main Types and Their Sizes

Not all mulberries are giants. The species you pick is the biggest factor determining final size.

Red Mulberry (Morus rubra): This native North American species is the largest. It can soar to 60-70 feet tall with a massive, spreading canopy. It’s often found in forests and needs plenty of room.
White Mulberry (Morus alba): Commonly used in silkworm cultivation, this Asian species is slightly smaller but still substantial, reaching 30-50 feet. It’s highly adaptable and can become invasive in some regions, so check local guidelines.
Black Mulberry (Morus nigra): Prized for the best-tasting fruit, this is the classic garden mulberry. It grows slower and stays more compact, usually maxing out at 30-40 feet. Its broad, gnarled shape is very attractive.

Dwarf and Weeping Varieties

For smaller yards, dwarf cultivars are a perfect solution. They offer all the benefits without the massive size.

‘Issai’: A compact, everbearing variety that only grows about 10 feet tall. It’s self-fertile and great for containers.
‘Dwarf Everbearing’: Often kept at 6-8 feet with pruning, ideal for patios.
Weeping Mulberries (Morus alba ‘Pendula’): These have a stunning, umbrella-like form. They are usually grafted onto a standard, creating a 6-10 foot tall “lollipop” shape with cascading branches.

Factors That Influence Growth Rate and Size

Even within a species, your tree’s size depends on its environment. Here’s what affects it:

Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours) promotes the fastest, densest growth. In shade, they become leggy and grow slower.
Soil: They tolerate many soils but grow fastest in deep, well-drained, and fertile loam. Poor, compacted soil will stunt them.
Water: Consistent moisture, especially in the first few years, fuels rapid growth. Mature trees are drought-tolerant but may grow slower without extra water in dry spells.
Climate: They grow fastest in long, warm growing seasons. In cooler zones, the growth season is shorter, which can limit annual size increase.
Pruning: This is your main tool for controlling size. Regular pruning can easily keep a large species at a manageable 15-20 feet.

How to Manage and Control Their Spread

Don’t let the potential size scare you off. With smart management, you can grow a mulberry almost anywhere.

Plant in the Right Spot: This is the most important step. Plant at least 15-20 feet from your house, septic fields, and sidewalks. Think about where the shade will fall in 20 years.
Annual Pruning: Prune in late winter when the tree is dormant. Remove crossing branches, thin the canopy for light, and cut back leaders to control height. Summer pruning can also slow growth.
Consider a Bush Form: You can prune the tree to a multi-stemmed bush. Simply cut the main trunk back to about 3 feet at planting. This makes harvesting fruit much easier too.
Root Barriers: If you’re planting near a pavement or garden bed, installing a vertical root barrier at planting can help direct roots downward and prevent surface disruption.

The Importance of Planting Location

Choosing where to plant is a long-term decision. A common mistake is planting a tiny sapling too close to a building. Remember, those roots will spread as wide as the canopy, and they can be assertive.

Also, be mindful of where the fruit will drop. Planting over a patio or driveway leads to a messy stain from the ripe berries. A spot over a lawn is often better, where the mess is less noticeable and can be mowed.

Growth Timeline: What to Expect Year by Year

Mulberries are notably fast growers, especially when young.

Year 1-3: Establishment and rapid vertical growth. You might see 2-4 feet of growth per year.
Year 4-7: The tree begins to fill out, adding significant spread. Fruit production increases substantially.
Year 10+: The tree starts to approach its mature dimensions, though it will continue to grow slowly for many decades. Growth shifts from vertical to filling out the canopy.

Common Problems Related to Size

Ignoring the potential height and spread leads to headaches. Here are a few issues:

Root Damage: Large surface roots can crack pavements and interfere with foundations if planted to close.
Excessive Shade: The dense canopy can shade out lawns or other sun-loving plants beneath it.
Fruit Mess: A large tree produces a lot of fruit, which can stain walkways and attract birds (which leads to more mess).
Difficult Harvest: Picking fruit from a 40-foot tree is nearly impossible without special tools.

FAQ: Your Mulberry Tree Size Questions Answered

How fast do mulberry trees grow?

They are considered fast-growing trees. In ideal conditions, you can expect 2 to 3 feet of new growth per year when they are young. The rate slows as the tree matures.

Can I keep a mulberry tree small?

Absolutely. Annual pruning is the key. You can maintain a standard tree at 15-20 feet, or even train it as a large bush. Choosing a dwarf variety from the start is the easiest method for small spaces.

What is the typical spread of a mature mulberry?

The spread is often equal to the height. A 40-foot-tall tree will typically have a 40-foot-wide canopy. This is why giving them ample space is so critical for there long-term health.

Are mulberry tree roots invasive?

Their roots are not typically invasive like some trees (e.g., willows), but they are strong and spreading. They can damage sidewalks or seek out water lines if planted too close. Proper placement prevents this.

How long does it take for a mulberry tree to bear fruit?

Grafted varieties may fruit in 2-3 years. Seed-grown trees take longer, often 5-10 years. A trees fruit production increases significantly as it reaches its mature size.

What’s the best small mulberry for a patio?

The ‘Issai’ or a standard ‘Dwarf Everbearing’ are excellent choices. They can even be grown in large containers for many years with consistent pruning and care.

By understanding how tall mulberry trees grow and there potential spread, you can make a smart choice for your garden. Whether you want a giant shade tree or a petite fruit-bearing shrub, there’s a mulberry that fits. Just remember to match the tree to your space, and you’ll enjoy its beauty and bounty for years to come.