Mulberry advice?

[hamamelis]

I bought a black mulberry tree last year. It's pretty small, and didn't put on any noticeable growth over the summer- I've heard they're slow growing, but should they be *that* slow?

Also, I noticed that it's starting to press against the post I put in with it- anyone know what'd be best to do, I've not had trees before, and I can't decide between:
- moving the post a bit further away
- removing the post altogether
- leaving it as is for now- there's no visible damage.

I think the soil re-settled, and the post moved a bit, I don't think the tree grew into it, by the way.

Any general mulberry comments also appreciated! Any idea how old they normally need to be to start fruiting?

[VirginVegGrower]

Very very very slow growing I'm afraid. Have you mulched it? I would only take the stake out, if it's of a thick enough trunk. Mine are always set into the planting hole before the tray goes in. At least six inches away and then a tree tie in a figure of eight around both pole and tree.

[hamamelis]

Thanks- it's a pretty thin trunk at the moment- I did put the stake in the planting hole 6 inches away, just.. um... not straight. I might just take it out anyway- the rowan tree not far away is thinner, and that's doing well enough, and the mulberry's not exactly laden with fruit

[VirginVegGrower]

You can stake at an angle against the trunk. I've seen this done on fruit trees too. Must admit, our tree stakes are large vertical rustic poles as we are quite exposed.
Sounds fine. How about feeding it in February and apply a mulch or another top up?

[hamamelis]

What's best to feed it with?

Is just a general organic vegetable fertiliser ok, or do they have special requirements?

[VirginVegGrower]

I think it's general purpose feed for mulberry, something that releases slowly. Mulch it too in its early years. If it's stalled, maybe a light prune at the right time would benefit it's health.