Question
I am new to the midwest so am unfamiliar with tree diseases here. WE have what I believe to be a red mulberry tree in the yard which has some normal fruit, and lots of fat lumpy puffed up looking fruit which does not seem to ripen. can you give me any ideas on what it is and what to do for it? I am assuming is either disease or pest.
thanks,
Lori Glackin

Answer
There are many cultivars of mulberry trees.  If you have a wild type I would say that is just its normal fruiting pattern.  I have one in my yard in Mississippi that is native and it does produce wierd looking fruit that do not ripen.  If it is a cultivated variety, there could be an insect such as mites causing the problem.  If you eating these, there is not much that can be done.  They do provide good food for squirrels.