Mulberry Tree Too Close to House: Transplant or Remove

Root and Canopy Conflict

A mulberry 6 feet from the foundation will eventually damage it. Roots extend 1.5× the canopy spread (20–30 feet at maturity).

Transplanting Option

• Move in spring (after frost, before leaf-out) or fall (after color change, before freeze).
• Root ball: 9–12″ wide and 6″ deep per inch of trunk diameter.
• New hole twice the root ball size; backfill with good soil; mulch 3″.

If Removal Is Necessary

Cut the stump and immediately paint undiluted Roundup (glyphosate) on the fresh cut with a brush. Wait two weeks for translocation, then dig out the stump. This prevents root suckering.