How To
A mulberry tree can grow how tall can a mulberry tree grow to 60 feet or more—depending on the variety, soil, and how much you let it stretch toward the sky.
If you're dreaming of a towering mulberry tree in your backyard, you’ll want to know exactly how tall these fast-growing giants can reach—because some varieties dwarf others by hundreds of feet.
The Morus nigra, or black mulberry, can climb to 60 feet, while the Illinois Everbearing stays compact at just 10–15 feet.
But height isn’t the only factor—growth speed matters too. A mulberry tree can shoot up 3–5 feet per year in ideal conditions, meaning a 20-foot tree in just five years isn’t uncommon.
If you’re working with limited space, pruning in late winter or early spring can keep it manageable while still ensuring a bountiful harvest.
Below, I’ll break down the height ranges by variety, how to control growth, and the best pruning techniques to keep your mulberry tree at your ideal height—whether you want a shade tree or a backyard fruit producer.
Mulberry tree height by variety: from dwarf to sky-skimming giants
If you're planning to grow a mulberry tree, understanding its potential height is crucial—especially since some varieties can stretch toward the sky while others stay compact. The Morus alba (white mulberry), for example, often reaches 30-50 feet, while dwarf varieties like Illinois Everbearing max out at 10-15 feet.
Your choice of variety will determine whether you're dealing with a backyard giant or a manageable shrub.
Mulberry trees grow at fast rates, with some varieties gaining 3-6 feet per year in ideal conditions. However, their mature height depends heavily on genetics, pruning, and climate.
In this guide, we'll compare 8 common mulberry varieties, their height ranges, and the best climates for each to help you pick the perfect fit for your space.
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The Illinois Everbearing and Everbearing Mulberry are your best bets for small spaces, staying under 15 feet while still producing abundant fruit. If you're in a warmer climate (Zones 7-11), the Texas Mulberry offers a medium-height option with excellent drought tolerance.
For those who love a challenge, Morus nigra (Black Mulberry) and Morus alba can become towering giants, reaching heights that rival mature oak trees. These varieties thrive in USDA Zones 4-9 and need ample space to spread their roots and branches. If you're in a cooler climate (
How fast do mulberry trees grow? Height timeline by age
Mulberry trees are some of the fastest-growing trees you can plant, with some varieties shooting up 3-6 feet per year in ideal conditions. But their growth speed isn't steady—it varies dramatically by age, variety, and care.
Understanding these stages helps you plan your garden layout and manage expectations for height control.
In their first 5 years, mulberry trees focus on establishing roots and trunk strength, while later years see explosive vertical growth. Rootstock choice plays a huge role too—dwarf varieties like Illinois Everbearing stay under 15 feet, while standard Morus alba can reach 60 feet without intervention.
Let's break down the growth timeline year by year.
🌱 Mulberry Tree Growth Timeline
- 🌱 Year 1: 2-4 ft | Sapling stage with rapid root development
- 🌿 Years 2-5: 6-10 ft/year | Trunk thickens; aggressive vertical growth begins
- 🌳 Years 6-10: 3-6 ft/year | Peak growth phase; reaches 20-30 ft
- 🏞️ 10+ Years: 1-3 ft/year | Mature growth slows; focuses on fruit production
Growth rates vary by variety, sunlight, and soil quality
During the first 5 years, your mulberry tree will prioritize root expansion over height. This is why many gardeners see only 2-4 feet of growth in year one, but years 2-5 are when things get exciting.
With proper care—full sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering—you'll see annual jumps of 6-10 feet. I once planted a Morus nigra sapling that hit 12 feet by year 3!
Between years 5-10, growth accelerates dramatically. This is when mulberry trees hit their stride, adding 3-6 feet annually if left unpruned. The Illinois Everbearing variety is an exception here—its growth slows after year 5, maxing out around 12-15 feet.
For standard varieties, this is when they'll surpass your two-story home, reaching 20-30 feet by year 10.
After 10 years, growth rates taper off significantly. Most mulberry trees add only 1-3 feet per year as they mature, shifting their energy toward fruit production. This is your last chance to prune for height control—waiting until year 15 means dealing with a 40-foot monster!
I recommend annual pruning during late winter to shape the tree while it's still manageable.
The rootstock you choose at planting determines 80% of your tree's eventual height. Dwarf rootstock will keep even fast-growing varieties under 15 feet, while standard rootstock lets them reach their full 60-foot potential.
If you're working with limited space, ask your nursery about dwarfing rootstock options—they're worth the extra cost for small yards.
Remember: pruning in early spring (just before buds swell) gives you the most control over height while minimizing stress on the tree. And always use sterilized tools to prevent disease spread—mulberry trees are susceptible to silver leaf fungus, which thrives in pruning wounds.
With the right approach, you can enjoy mulberry fruit without sacrificing your backyard space!