What is the best way to keep the underside of a mulberry tree less messy?

Question

I have just replanted a young mulberry tree that miraculously grew up in a secluded spot in my yard. It is located more appropriately now away from foundations. I have read up and I was especially happy that birds love them but from what I understand, they can get quite messy underneath during the fruit bearing stage.

Do you have any tips or tricks I can use in the future to keep the area clean?

Answer 1

I had a mulberry tree at the home I grew up in and it was next to our concrete driveway....What a mess! As far as yours is concerned I would use shredded tree bark (I prefer the natural to the dyed) spread in a large circle under the tree. When the surface is soiled due to fruit drop, throw some more down. What is neat is that as the season progresses the bark will break down. Then when the fruit drop is over you won't have to respread until next year......Far out! Stew

Answer 2

I work at a place with a mulberry tree behind the building and, yes, they get quite messy. The berries will ripen in late spring and fall off over a time period of about a month to as much as 6 weeks in my personal experience. The only practical thing I can think of is to lay down some fine netting a little coarser than window screen on the ground under the tree. I think a lot of gardening shops sell this kind of stuff specificly for this purpose. It's either that or invite a lot more birds over and contact BFI about renting a bunch of bird port-a-potties for the month.

Answer 3

Some mulberry trees don't bear fruit, but for the ones that do, if it is possible, plant grass under the tree. That should help conceal all the fruit that drop. If the fruit drops on concrete, it can get ugly.

Answer 4

Put netting with small holes on the ground all around the tree when the berries begin to ripen. When they stop falling, roll the netting up and dispose of the berries, or pick them up regularly and make jelly, jam, or pies with them. They're delicious.