Where to Plant Mulberry Tree?

Growing mulberry tree in your backyard is like a following an old family tradition. Apart from gifting you with sweet-tart berries, the tree provides shade and improves soil health with its deep roots.

Falling leaves of mulberry adds organic mulch to your garden soil.

With minimal care and drought-tolerance, mulberry can be grown by gardeners of all skills.

Before you grab the shovel to dig, it’s worth asking where is the best place to plant a mulberry tree?

Finding that perfect spot can make the difference between a thriving, fruitful tree and one that struggles to grow.

In this write-up, you’ll learn how to figure out the best location to grow your mulberry tree.

Understanding Mulberry Trees

Mulberry trees have long been part of the American story. The red mulberry (Morus rubra) is native to North America, while white (Morus alba) and black (Morus nigra) mulberries traveled here from Asia and the Middle East centuries ago.

Today, all three can be found across most of the U.S., thriving in hardiness zones 4 through 9 — basically, everywhere except the coldest northern corners and the hottest desert extremes.

They’re low-maintenance, fast-growing, and long-lived — sometimes surviving more than 75 years.

Once mature, they’ll gift you with weeks of glossy, blackberry-like fruit from late spring through summer.

Birds adore them (sometimes too much!), and so will you once you taste a handful of sun-warmed berries straight from the branch.

Where Is the Best Place to Plant a Mulberry Tree?

Best place in the sense of soil, light and growing space. Let’s start with the basics.

1. Sunlight

If you only remember one thing, make it this: mulberries love sunshine. The more sunlight they get, the better they’ll fruit. Look for a place that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

A south- or west-facing part of your yard is usually best. Avoid shaded corners or spots blocked by tall trees or fences.

Sure, a mulberry can survive in partial shade — they’re tough trees — but you’ll end up with fewer, smaller, and less flavorful berries. For abundant, sweet fruit, let the sun do its work.

2. Soil

Mulberry trees are not fussy eaters — they’ll grow in sandy loam, clay, or just about anything in between. What they truly care about is drainage.

Their roots need oxygen, and soggy soil suffocates them. Ideally, choose soil that’s fertile, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.8).

If you live in a region with dense clay — common in parts of the Midwest and South — mix in compost and coarse sand before planting. Or better yet, plant on a raised mound to give roots extra breathing room.

A quick drainage test can save you a lot of grief: dig a 12-inch-deep hole, fill it with water, and check back in 24 hours. If there’s still standing water, pick another spot or improve the soil before planting.

3. Space: Think Long-Term

A young sapling looks small and innocent, but don’t be fooled — a full-grown mulberry can become a 30- to 50-foot-wide shade giant. When deciding where to plant a mulberry tree, give it room to grow both above and below ground.

Keep it at least 15–20 feet away from buildings, fences, patios, and driveways. And definitely avoid planting near septic systems, underground lines, or foundations — the roots can be surprisingly assertive.

If you have power lines overhead, take a quick look up. Many homeowners regret planting too close once branches start tangling with cables years later.

4. The “Messiness” Factor

Mulberries are amazing — but let’s be honest: they’re also a little messy. The ripe fruit can stain driveways, patios, and cars with deep purple splatters that even a pressure washer struggles to remove.

To save yourself the trouble, plant your tree over lawn areas, mulch beds, or back corners where fallen fruit won’t bother anyone. Many gardeners tuck theirs near property lines, fence edges, or sunny corners away from main paths. Others lay down a thick layer of mulch under the tree to absorb fruit drops naturally.

If you don’t mind sharing with wildlife, you can even think of it as your personal “berry buffet” zone — nature will thank you.

Also Read: The One Tree that Every Homesteader Should Plant

How Far Apart Should Mulberry Trees Be Planted?

This is one of the most common questions gardeners ask. The answer depends on what type of mulberry you’re planting and how you plan to use it.

Standard Varieties

Most full-sized red, white, or black mulberries need 30 to 50 feet of spacing between trees. This wide gap allows for healthy air circulation, plenty of sunlight, and enough root space for strong growth.

Dwarf and Semi-Dwarf Varieties

If you’re growing smaller types like ‘Dwarf Everbearing,’ you can plant them 10 to 15 feet apart. These compact trees are perfect for smaller suburban yards and can even be pruned into decorative forms or espaliers against walls.

Container Growing

Yes — you can grow mulberries in pots! Pick a container at least 20–24 inches deep and wide. Container trees will need more frequent watering and feeding but reward you with easy harvesting and portability. Just remember to repot or root-prune every few years.

USDA Zones 7–9

This is prime mulberry country — long summers, mild winters, and plenty of rain. Red mulberry thrives naturally here.
Because of the humidity, spacing and airflow are critical to prevent fungal problems. Plant in fall or early spring and water deeply during dry spells. Expect ripe fruit as early as May in southern areas.

Midwest (Zones 4–7)

The Midwest’s fluctuating weather — hot summers and freezing winters — actually suits mulberries quite well. Just improve clay-heavy soils before planting. Spring planting is safest.
In northern areas, choose hardy varieties; in southern parts, almost any mulberry will do beautifully.

Southwest (Zones 7–9)

Mulberries love the heat but dislike drying winds and alkaline soils. Choose white mulberries, which handle arid climates best.
Plant where trees get morning sun and some afternoon shade. Mulch generously to retain moisture and use sulfur-based amendments to lower soil pH if needed.

West Coast (Zones 8–10)

From California to the Pacific Northwest, mulberries flourish. In southern and central California, plant in fall to take advantage of winter rains. In the Pacific Northwest, stick to spring planting.
Cooler coastal regions may see slower growth, but the fruit quality remains excellent. Inland gardeners enjoy long harvests stretching from May to August.

Preparing and Planting Your Mulberry Tree

Step 1: Prep the Site

Clear grass and weeds from a 4–6-foot circle around the planting spot. Mix compost or aged manure into the soil for a healthy start.

Step 2: Dig the Hole

Make the hole two to three times wider than the root ball but no deeper. This encourages roots to spread sideways.

Step 3: Plant at the Right Depth

Match the soil line on the trunk with the surrounding ground level. Planting too deep can suffocate roots.

Step 4: Backfill and Water

Refill the hole, pressing soil lightly to remove air pockets. Water deeply, then mulch around the base (but keep mulch 3–4 inches away from the trunk).

Creating a Cozy Mulberry Microenvironment

Think of your planting spot as a little ecosystem. Once your tree’s established, you can plant companion herbs like mint or lemon balm underneath — they thrive in the dappled shade. Spring bulbs such as daffodils bloom early before the leaves fill in, and clover can add nitrogen while tolerating fallen fruit.

If your yard is windy, use a shrub border or fence as a windbreak to protect young trees.

And if you love birds — great! Mulberries are irresistible to orioles, robins, and cedar waxwings. If you’d rather keep more fruit for yourself, consider netting your tree or planting an extra one “for the wildlife.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Planting too close to structures. It’s tempting to fill a bare corner, but your future self will thank you for giving the tree space.
• Ignoring overhead obstacles. Always look up for wires before planting.
• Choosing high-traffic areas. Avoid patios, driveways, and sidewalks to prevent staining.
• Poor drainage. This one kills more trees than anything else. Fix it before planting.

Thinking Ahead: Care and Harvest

Your planting spot affects not just how your tree grows, but how easy it is to maintain for decades to come. Leave enough room to walk around the tree for pruning and harvesting.

Consider where you’ll lay tarps or containers for fallen fruit. And think long-term — will new landscaping or taller trees cast shade later? Planning now prevents regret later.

Conclusion

Planting a mulberry tree is more than adding greenery — it’s planting a little piece of legacy. When you pick the right spot — sunny, spacious, and well-drained — you’re setting the stage for decades of beauty, shade, and sweet rewards.

Across the U.S., mulberries adapt beautifully to various climates, requiring minimal care once established. Take your time choosing the location, and soon you’ll enjoy the simple pleasure of plucking a sun-warmed berry from your own tree.