Removing a Fruitless Mulberry Tree and Preventing Regrowth

LA homeowner wants to remove a 40-50 inch girth fruitless mulberry that requires biannual trimming. Concerns: preventing regrowth from stump.

Regrowth Behavior

• Fruitless mulberry (Morus alba) does not sucker from roots or trunk
• New growth only from remaining limbs after heavy pruning
• Shallow roots make underplanting difficult

Removal Options

1. Stump grinder: Fast, clean, rentable (~$100-200/day)
2. Bobcat/skid-steer: "Grub out" entire stump/root ball
3. Chemical: Stump killer (drill holes, apply) — slower but low effort
4. Chainsaw flush cut + chemical: Most accessible DIY method

Replacement Trees (Utility Line Friendly)

See J. Frank Schmidt's "UtiliTrees" list (jfschmidt.com/utilist.html) for low-growing varieties suitable under power lines in Southern California.