Troubleshooting
Weeping White Mulberry problems — and how to fix them
Weeping White Mulberry (Morus alba 'Pendula') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae)
Causes sunken, oozing lesions on stems and dieback of branches. Prune out infected wood to healthy tissue, sterilising tools between cuts. Avoid overhead watering. No effective chemical control; prevention via good air circulation is key.
Graft union failure
As a grafted cultivar, the union between scion and rootstock can crack or fail, particularly in severe winters or if the tree is planted too deep. Plant the graft union 5–10 cm above soil level and protect with fleece in the first winter in colder zones.
Powdery mildew
White powdery coating on leaves in warm, dry summers. Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, and apply a potassium bicarbonate or sulphur fungicide. The 'Pendula' form is susceptible due to its dense, cascading canopy.
Prevent weeping white mulberry problems before they start
Most weeping white mulberry issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Weeping White Mulberry problems — FAQ
Why is my weeping white mulberry bacterial canker (pseudomonas syringae)?
Causes sunken, oozing lesions on stems and dieback of branches. Prune out infected wood to healthy tissue, sterilising tools between cuts. Avoid overhead watering. No effective chemical control; prevention via good air circulation is key.
Why is my weeping white mulberry graft union failure?
As a grafted cultivar, the union between scion and rootstock can crack or fail, particularly in severe winters or if the tree is planted too deep. Plant the graft union 5–10 cm above soil level and protect with fleece in the first winter in colder zones.
Why is my weeping white mulberry powdery mildew?
White powdery coating on leaves in warm, dry summers. Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, and apply a potassium bicarbonate or sulphur fungicide. The 'Pendula' form is susceptible due to its dense, cascading canopy.