Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture level to see if the tree is thirsty.
- Look at the weather forecast for recent heat waves.
- Examine the soil for a white crust that indicates salt buildup.
Likely causes
Drought Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The tips of the leaves turn dry and crispy during hot, dry summer months. The tree may also show signs of wilting during the hottest part of the day.
What to do: Water the tree deeply once every 7 to 14 days during dry spells. Ensure the water reaches at least 12 inches deep into the soil to support the root system.
Salt Accumulation
PossibleHow to tell: Brown tips appear even when the soil feels moist, often after a long period without heavy rain. This is common in areas with hard water or heavy fertilizer use.
What to do: Flush the soil around the tree with a large volume of clean water to wash excess salts away from the root zone. Avoid over fertilizing in the future.
Find out what's wrong with your 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.
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When to worry
Worry if the browning moves from the tips into the leaf tissue or causes premature leaf drop. Minor tip browning during extreme heat is often just a temporary reaction.
Stopping it coming back
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Keep your mulberry healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Is my tree getting too much sun?
- Mulberries love full sun, so it is rarely the light itself. The issue is usually that the tree cannot get enough water to keep up with the sun's intensity.
- Will the brown tips turn green again?
- No, the damaged tissue will not recover. Focus on providing consistent care so the new growth stays healthy.
More problems with Mulberry
- Why are there bumps on my mulberry tree branches?
- Why does my mulberry fruit look like popcorn?
- Why is my mulberry tree losing its leaves?
- Why are my mulberry tree's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my mulberry tree drooping?
- Why is my mulberry tree showing signs of root rot?
- Why are my mulberry tree leaves curling?
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.