Q. We have a beautiful mulberry tree that was “gifted” to us by nature. In fact, we have two other trees that we didn’t plant. As much as we love our mulberry tree it is quite messy when it drops the berries. Is there any way to stop it from fruiting?
Although there is a commercially available spray that will prevent fruiting in olives and some other fruit trees, this product is not labeled for use on mulberry trees.
Mulberries are delicious for fresh eating if you don’t mind the weird stem that runs the length of the fruit (like a spinal column). Birds really love the fruit and will leave purple droppings all over the neighborhood, much to the annoyance of anyone who owns a white car.
If you like your mulberry, but don’t care for the fruit, you could replace it with a non-fruiting variety. Look for white mulberry varieties that are labeled “fruitless” Keep in mind that these trees get very tall (60 feet or more). They produce a dense network of surface roots and should not be planted near sidewalks, driveways, or house foundations since they can undermine these structures. They are well-suited for our hot, dry climate and are effective shade trees.
Their vigorous root system, which enables established trees to endure periods of drought, will produce offshoots enthusiastically. This means that if you remove the tree, you will be haunted by many little mulberry trees for years to come.
Q. My pineapple guava fruit tree produced a very fine number of normal-looking fruits this year. However, the fruit remains on the tree and is not “filling out” or ripening as usual (despite no changes in watering/care). The fruit is normal in appearance but remains small like olives vs. the golf ball size they typically reach. Any thoughts?
Pineapple guava (Feijoa) is a popular landscaping plant in Southern California. It can be grown as a small shrub, tree, or hedge and tends to behave itself. It’s also relatively pest-resistant, drought-tolerant, and stays green and attractive all year round.
In the spring it produces attractive white flowers with dark pink centers. Many people don’t realize that the flower petals are edible and taste somewhat like cotton candy. They rely on bees and some birds for pollination but can be hand-pollinated if necessary. For the best fruit production, plant several close together. Remember that as far as pollination is concerned, the more the merrier.
If fruit forms, but doesn’t develop or drops, pollination problems are the most likely reason. Have you seen fewer bees in your garden this year? Our weather was unusually cool for an unusually long time this spring. This can result in decreased bee activity, which negatively affects pollination.
If it makes you feel any better, we had the same problem with our feijoas this year as well.
Los Angeles County
mglosangeleshelpline@ucdavis.edu; 626-586-1988; http://celosangeles.ucanr.edu/UC_Master_Gardener_Program/
Orange County
ucceocmghotline@ucanr.edu; 949-809-9760; http://mgorange.ucanr.edu/
Riverside County
anrmgriverside@ucanr.edu; 951-683-6491 ext. 231; https://ucanr.edu/sites/RiversideMG/
San Bernardino County
mgsanbern@ucanr.edu; 909-387-2182; http://mgsb.ucanr.edu
