Young Mulberry Tree - copper deficiency -- how add copper - Ask Extension
I planted a bare root Illinois Everbearing Mulberry tree this winter. Ever since planting, all its leaves and new leaves are curling upward like a boa...
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Young Mulberry Tree - copper deficiency -- how add copper #876224
Asked July 07, 2024, 6:53 PM EDT
I planted a bare root Illinois Everbearing Mulberry tree this winter. Ever since planting, all its leaves and new leaves are curling upward like a boat, with its edges looking charred/sun damaged. Looking at the pictures of copper deficiency in mulberry trees, the pictures look exactly the same as mine. This makes me believe that the tree has a copper deficiency. Since that is the case, I am trying to figure out how to solve this. I am new to growing fruit trees, and it sounds like I shouldn't add any fertilizer this first year after planting or I may burn/kill the roots. What can I add/do in order to add copper so the tree is no longer copper deficient and becomes healthy? What products are available or best for a young tree that was just planted this year? Most of the leaves die after a few weeks, and new budding leaves all end up doing the same. I'm not sure how much longer the tree has as most of its buds look like they already popped.
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Tim:
The tree may have been damaged by our late spring frost and having trouble recovering. Now we are having extreme heat and all that adds up to a struggle. Copper deficiency is rare. Our soil on the high desert is poor quality and the rule of thumb is to plant 2/3 native soil and 1/3 amendment into the hole. You are correct that you do not want to fertilize the first year. You may want to look at the location that you choose. What it the micro climate.. Is it in a cold pocket? Too much shade? Is it getting enough water? Are the roots protected from pests? It may just bad luck. I found a study from the University of Wisconsin on the Mulberry you may find helpful.
Mulberry - Uncommon Fruit
If you need a more definitive answer, please bring a sample to the OSU extension office, their contact information is listed below:
Deschutes County OSU Extension Office Contact
Thank you for your question,
The tree may have been damaged by our late spring frost and having trouble recovering. Now we are having extreme heat and all that adds up to a struggle. Copper deficiency is rare. Our soil on the high desert is poor quality and the rule of thumb is to plant 2/3 native soil and 1/3 amendment into the hole. You are correct that you do not want to fertilize the first year. You may want to look at the location that you choose. What it the micro climate.. Is it in a cold pocket? Too much shade? Is it getting enough water? Are the roots protected from pests? It may just bad luck. I found a study from the University of Wisconsin on the Mulberry you may find helpful.
Mulberry - Uncommon Fruit
If you need a more definitive answer, please bring a sample to the OSU extension office, their contact information is listed below:
Deschutes County OSU Extension Office Contact
Thank you for your question,
