Is it normal for my mulberry to drop leaves in summer?

No, it is not normal for a healthy tree to drop leaves in summer. It usually indicates the tree is struggling with heat or pests.

Does popcorn disease cause leaf drop?

Popcorn disease primarily affects the fruit and does not typically cause the tree to drop its leaves. If your leaves are falling, look for other stressors like drought or insects.

Why is my white mulberry losing its leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the undersides of leaves for small scale insects.
Test the soil moisture to see if it is too dry.
Look for signs of popcorn disease on the fruit.

Likely causes

Extreme heat stress
Possible
How to tell: Leaves turn yellow or brown and fall off during a heatwave. This is the tree's way of conserving energy.
What to do: Increase the frequency of your deep waterings to every 7 days during high heat. Apply a 3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to keep roots cool.
Scale insect infestation
Possible
How to tell: You see small, immobile bumps on the stems and leaves. The tree may lose leaves as the insects drain its sap.
What to do: Treat the tree with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap during the dormant season. Ensure you coat the branches thoroughly to suffocate the insects.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your white mulberry

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if the tree loses a significant portion of its canopy in mid-summer. Normal leaf drop occurs in autumn as the tree prepares for winter.

Stopping it coming back

Monitor the tree for pests regularly and provide supplemental water during dry spells to keep the tree strong.

White mulberry: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your white mulberry and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Is it normal for my mulberry to drop leaves in summer?: No, it is not normal for a healthy tree to drop leaves in summer. It usually indicates the tree is struggling with heat or pests.
Does popcorn disease cause leaf drop?: Popcorn disease primarily affects the fruit and does not typically cause the tree to drop its leaves. If your leaves are falling, look for other stressors like drought or insects.

Guides to these causes

Scale Insects

Why is my white mulberry losing its leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your white mulberry?