Split Mulberry Sapling: Tape or Prune for Recovery

Illinois Everbearing mulberry (1 yr, fruited) split down middle by wind. Owner asks: save or replace? Considered sawing half off.

Two Options

1. Remove one side: Cut cleanly at split; tree heals over.
2. Bridge & tape: Pull halves together, wrap with grafting/elastic tape (e.g., budding tape). Leave until fused (months).

Mulberries are vigorous. The expert's grandson cut one in half; taped, it lived 10 more years. Either method works—tape is dramatic but effective.