I purchased a white mulberry sapling in early spring 2013. The first summer it did well and even produced a berry or two. The second summer I didn't get any berries but the tree put on some good growth. I have been anxiously awaiting for it to break dormancy this year, but so far, not much is happening. I did not note when it broke dormancy last year, so don't have any reference to go on. Almost all of my other plants, trees, and shrubs have broken dormancy and many of the fruit trees have completed their bloom. I've had my first flush of dandelions (now at the seed stage). Temps have lately been in the mid to upper 60s, often getting quite warm in the late afternoons. I've been experiencing pretty great growing weather - rain followed by sun followed by rain, etc.

I did break off some of the outer ends and found a lot of dead wood. But, further toward the trunk I am still seeing some green inside and what appear to be tiny buds that haven't really swelled yet. I've never had a mulberry and am unfamiliar with its growth habits.

The tree is sited inside my chicken yard, protected with a wire cage from the birds, almost full sun, healthy loam soil (previous cow corral, then pig pen, now chicken yard), watered often. Not fertilized, but mulched with a compost blend.

I am trying to decide if it's toast and I should simply replace it, or hold on for a bit longer and see if it is just set back. Any ideas or similar experiences?

How did your mulberry tree end up doing?

Dead. Dang. I plan to replace it either this fall or early next spring. The intent is to provide some shade and fruit for the chickens. Our winter was hard on plants, we had quick hard freezes in the fall and some pretty dry spells mid winter. Who would think to water in the PNW in January??

Welcome to ATP!

Do other plants grow OK in the chicken yard? Just wondering if it might have been death by manure, first cattle, then pigs, now chickens (of course depends how many of the latter) rather than weather. I've never grown one but from what I understand white mulberry can be hardy to zones 3 or 4, and is somewhat drought tolerant for short periods.

Interesting thought, but I don't think that would be the problem. It's been years since the pig ( last large animal) and I run 8 hens in about a 750 sq ft yard. It is certainly down to bare dirt but no obvious accumulations of droppings. The herbaceous plants the hens leave alone (nettles, vervain, thistle) are all thriving.

that's too bad sorry for your loss.