Mulberry trees can quickly fill a spot in your yard due to their vigorous growth habit, and their berries serve as an attractive prospect for some. However, you will have to deal with several concerns, including the pollen, a destructive root system, and the mess they tend to leave on the ground. Let’s look at how to kill a mulberry tree?
How to Kill a Mulberry Tree
You may need to kill a mulberry tree that has overstayed its welcome and those that have become a hazard for your yard or home foundation. Here are four methods on how to kill a mulberry tree.
The Organic Method
If you’re averse to using chemicals that are specially designed to kill mulberry trees, then you’ll want to take this approach. The process involves cutting the tree down to the trunk and brushing several homemade solutions to kill the stump and the roots.
First, you will need to whittle down the mulberry tree and cut it down to a stump. Then, you can use either undiluted white vinegar or rock salt to kill the remaining mulberry roots. Spray white vinegar or brush it on the stump and let the natural weed killer do its work. You can also drill several 10 to 12-inch holes into the stump and pour rock salt or vinegar to hasten the killing process.
It’s best to keep an eye out for suckers that might appear as the tree is trying to revive itself. Promptly remove them by hand or by spraying with the same white vinegar solution. After a week or so the mulberry will have died and you can now dig up the stump and roots and dispose of them.
The Herbicide Method
One of the fastest ways to kill a mulberry tree is to cut it down to size and apply a proven herbicide to eliminate the stump and roots.
It’s worth noting that you should wear safety goggles, gloves, and a mask to reduce the risk of ingesting the herbicide and debris. Bring a regular shovel, chainsaw, or a hatchet or ax if the mulberry tree has grown to a considerable height.
Use the shovel to remove saplings and small roots that form around the tree, then focus your efforts on chopping the trunk as close to the ground as possible. Clear away the resulting debris and mix the herbicide solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Spray the herbicide solution on the stump and roots, making sure to soak the material thoroughly. If you wish, you can drill several six-inch holes into the trunk and pour in the herbicide so it works faster.
After several days, check for signs of life and reapply as necessary. You can then dig up the remaining mulberry material and dispose of it promptly.
The Floral Tube Method
If you’re looking for a relatively easy way to kill a mulberry, then you should try this. The process involves an herbicide, several floral tubes, and pruning shears.
Put the herbicide of your choice into the floral tubes and head over to the mulberry tree you wish to remove. Locate a branch that’s very close or adjacent to the main trunk and cut it down to just a few inches. Then, install the floral tube with the herbicide solution and leave it at the tip where it can get absorbed by the tree. Do this several times more and while wearing protective clothing and gloves in the process.
After a week or two, the tree will have shown significant signs of weakening, as well as leaf and branch death. At this point, you can now either trim the shrub down to size or pull it off the ground.
The Chop and Grind Method
The chop and grind method is a traditional way of removing a tree, and it works on mulberries. You will need an ax, hatchet, or chainsaw, as well as a stump grinder.
It’s recommended that you hire a professional if the mulberry tree has grown to a considerable size. For smaller species, you can chop away at the main trunk until it’s fallen over. Then, power up the grinder and work at the stump and down to the closest roots. A shovel or spade can finish off stray roots or suckers that may have formed.