Fruitless Mulberry Limb Failure: Internal Decay and Hazard Assessment

Three large fruitless mulberries: bark peeling on one limb in Feb, limb fell in wind. All three have dead limbs. Disease or age?

Assessment

Peeling bark and dead limbs suggest internal decay from microorganisms entering old wounds. Progressive, slow decline.

Management

• Prevent trunk injury (mowers, trimmers).
• Water during hot/dry periods to reduce stress.
• Monitor for increasing dead limbs.
• If hazard to people/property develops, remove tree.

Wind/ice storms reveal decay via breakage. No cure for internal rot.