The fruiting mulberry tree provides food for humans and animals, and the foliage gives much-needed shade in the summer. The tree also has a shallow root system, and often roots grow above the surface of the soil near the trunk. These roots pose a hazard to people walking near the tree. Mulberry trees also frequently drop seeds, causing multiple new saplings to grow. If mulberry trees are a nuisance in your yard, one way to get rid of them is to kill the roots.
Use a shovel to dig up small mulberry saplings. Remove the entire root system, or the tree will grow back.
Cut larger mulberry trees off at the roots when the trees begin to grow foliage, usually between May and September. Use a shovel or chainsaw to do this. If trees are too large to cut off at the roots, make large gashes in the roots instead. Alternatively, use a chainsaw to cut the entire tree down at the trunk, as close to ground level as possible. Doing this prepares the tree for an herbicide application that will kill the root system.
Fill a watering can with water. Mix in the recommended amount of glyphosphate herbicide according to the product label.
Put on protective gloves. Soak a foam paintbrush with the glyphosphate mixture.
Apply the glyphosphate herbicide directly to the cut roots. The roots absorb the chemical and die. If you have cut the tree off at the trunk, you can also apply the herbicide to the the cut surface to kill the roots.
Things You Will Need
Pouring soil over the roots cuts off their oxygen supply, and this might cause tree death.
Always use caution when handling herbicides. Read the product label carefully.
Chainsaws are very dangerous when mishandled. Exercise caution at all times.