When someone asks me what my favorite most useful tree on the homestead is I’m quick to answer, The Mulberry Tree! This usually surprises the person asking the question as this tree is considered a burden to many homeowners. In this podcast episode, I’ll talk about why I believe it is one of the best trees you can have on your homestead.
The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 70 – December 3, 2017 – The Underappreciated Mulberry Tree
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When you think of must-have plants for a homestead, what comes to mind? Comfrey, maybe? Well, comfrey is awesome, but today, I want to talk about my second favorite homestead addition: the mulberry tree! You might be surprised, especially if you’ve heard people grumbling about how messy or invasive they are. But stick with me, because I’m going to share why mulberries are an absolute treasure for homesteads.
A Childhood Love for Mulberries
My love for mulberries goes way back to when I was a kid. I spent a lot of weekends at my grandparents’ house, which had a big old homestead vibe with fruit trees, strawberry patches, and more. One of my favorite memories is sneaking back to their mulberry trees to pick (and eat!) the juicy berries. Grandma would send me out to gather some for a pie, but I’d eat way more than I picked. The evidence was all over my face – purple stains and a big smile.
So yeah, I’m a lifelong Mulberry fan. But let’s get into why they’re so awesome for homesteaders today.
Why Mulberries Get a Bad Rap
Some people aren’t fans of mulberry trees. They say they’re messy or invasive. And, to be fair, if you’ve got a tree growing near your driveway, the berries can drop and stain everything in sight. Not to mention, birds love mulberries, and they’ll leave purple “souvenirs” on your car after feasting. But if you plant your mulberries in the right spot, these issues disappear, and you’re left with a tree that offers a ton of benefits.
Mulberries: Tough, Fast-Growing, and Hard to Kill
One of the things I love most about mulberry trees is how tough they are. These trees are super hard to kill! You can cut them down, and they’ll just sprout back up. They thrive in zones 4 to 8, and they grow fast – which means more fruit for you, quicker. If you’re a homesteader looking for a tree that’s low-maintenance, resilient, and productive, mulberries are a fantastic choice.
The Many Benefits of Mulberry Trees
So why do I think mulberries are so underrated? It’s not just about the tasty berries (though that’s a huge plus!). Mulberries offer so much more for your homestead.
1. A Reliable Source of Food
A full-grown mulberry tree can produce 50 to 80 gallons of berries! That’s a lot of fruit to eat fresh, freeze, or turn into delicious recipes like mulberry muffins, pies, jams, cobblers, and even syrup. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make mulberry wine! The berries are also packed with nutrients like vitamins C, A, and E, plus iron and potassium. They’re a powerhouse of antioxidants, making them not only tasty but healthy too.
2. Fodder for Livestock
Mulberry leaves are a fantastic source of food for livestock. They’re high in protein – up to 28% – and animals like rabbits, goats, sheep, and even cattle can munch on them. In fact, during the summer, I feed my rabbits a good amount of mulberry leaves, and they love it! Plus, the branches make great chew toys for rabbits, keeping their teeth in check.
3. Multi-Purpose Wood
Mulberry trees grow long, flexible branches, which can be used for all sorts of homestead projects. You can make trellises or even small baskets from the branches. They’re not quite as flexible as willow branches, but they’re still pretty handy for crafting.
Planting Mulberries on Your Homestead
If you’ve been convinced to give mulberries a try, here’s a tip: plant them somewhere they won’t make a mess. Keep them away from driveways, sidewalks, or high-traffic areas where you don’t want berry stains. They do great on the edge of a property or in an unused corner of your yard. And if you happen to see a wild mulberry tree growing in an inconvenient spot, it’s easy to dig it up and transplant it where it can thrive without being a bother.
Different Mulberry Varieties
There are several varieties of mulberries to consider. I grow red mulberries, which are pretty common. White mulberries are another popular variety, though they’re a bit less flavorful but also less messy. There’s also a cool variety called the Pakistan mulberry, which produces extra-long berries – as long as your finger! I’ve got my eye on adding one of these unique trees to my homestead soon.
Final Thoughts
Mulberry trees are truly one of the most underappreciated trees you can add to your homestead. They’re tough, fast-growing, multi-purpose, and they produce an insane amount of food. If you have some extra space on your property, I highly recommend planting one (or two!). Whether you’re feeding your family, your animals, or both, mulberries are a win-win.
Just remember, if you don’t want to curse the day you planted it, make sure to place it in a spot where the mess won’t be an issue. Do that, and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with this incredible tree.
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