Question From:
Sarah Davis in Glen Forrest, Perth WA
Nature of problem:
Mulberry tree has yellow leaves and has slowed in growth, has dropped fruit since arriving to this subburb. Currently renovating and therefore there is a large pile of limestone 2metres from tree. it was transplanted two years ago and was growing rapidly prior to moving.
Type of Plant (if known):
Mulberry Tree – seedling from a large well producing tree in Meekatharra (800kms North of Perth)
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Yellow leaves,growth has slowed and continues to drop fruit
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Rock/Clay
How often do you water the plant:
Twice a Week
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
6hrs full sunlight
What type of plant is it:
Mulberry
How long since you planted it:
two years – transplanted from another garden and it was in a pot previously to the first transplant
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Kickalong and Flourish fruit booster
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
outdoors
Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
ground
What other treatments have you given the plant:
Fertiliser when required, chicken, horse manura and straw and pruned once a year
Upload photo if available:
Mulberry Tree.JPG
Other Comments:
We have multiple fruit trees in the same area and they all seem to be going really well apart from the Mulberry.
Answer: Hi Sarah, It is a simple fact that mulberries don’t really like either Perth’s climate or its soils. They prefer a more moist climate, cooler temperatures and a less sandy soil. So, your job is to compensate for these issues. First of all, dig some shallow hoves in the surrounding soil with a trowel to see if the soil is dry – you may have watered it, but this is useless if the soil is water-repelling. If it is dry, get & use some Seasol Super Soil Wetter. Then water the plant for 30 mins every week, even if it is raining. Hold back on all of the fertiliser etc until the plant seems better. Check the pH of the nearby soil – get a kit from Bunnings. If you don’t have one (in Perth and Adelaide these kits are essential), get one. The pH should be near neutral, ie 7. If it is 7.5 or higher, get some soil acidifier – Hydrangea blueing tonic is good for this. Good luck, Don
