Why is it illegal to plant mulberry trees in these cities?

One would think that everyone would love something that could provide you with mulberry jam, mulberry wine and mulberry pie, yet the mulberry tree does not benefit from any of this fame. You’ll be able to understand why many people are saying “no” when it comes to the mulberry tree after learning why the giant deciduous tree is officially banned in many parts of the nation.

Mulberry trees produce a lot of pollen, which causes a lot of allergies and respiratory problems in people, so in some cities it is against the law to grow them. Male mulberry trees in particular release a lot of pollen, which aggravates respiratory diseases like asthma. Additionally, strong root systems and rapid growth of trees have the potential to damage foundations, pipelines, and sidewalks. Some cities have banned the planting of mulberry trees within their boundaries to reduce public health risks and associated maintenance costs.

Read on to find out why mulberry trees are banned in some parts of the country, and what alternatives you can buy if you want a fruit-bearing plant that birds will love.too.

Where are mulberry trees illegal?

Mulberry planting rules may differ depending on where you live. For example, the Food Forest Nursery blog states that the use of trees is prohibited in the following locations:

• El Paso, New Mexico
• El Paso, Texas
• Las Vegas of Nevada
• Arizona, Tucson.

This means that it is against the law for both private citizens and business owners to plant fresh mulberries outside municipal boundaries.

Why are mulberry trees illegal in these desert cities?

Mulberry trees are prohibited in some areas for several reasons, including problems caused by the abundance of berries that discolor sidewalks, buildings, and other surfaces they come into contact with.

Beyond aesthetic concerns, the mulberry tree is dangerous to human health. In fact, since the early 1990s, Las Vegas has prohibited the cultivation of even fruitless varieties of the tree due to a different concern: Some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions to the pollen released by these trees.
In addition, many mulberry berries fall to the ground or are eaten by birds and spread widely, mulberry trees are capable of producing large numbers of seedlings.

This expansive growth can crowd out other local natives, harming those creatures that require the plants to survive and wreaking havoc on the local ecosystem.

Indeed, the Food Forest Nursery blog points out that environmental impact assessments are often required where individuals wish to plant these trees because these trees pose a significant threat to the surrounding flora and fauna.

Are mulberry trees edible?

Although it may seem that the mulberry tree only offers real and metaphorical headaches, there are actually many advantages to the tree, including those delectable berries I previously mentioned. Mulberries are really quite healthy for you; Healthline reports that they are high in potassium, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin K1. You should never consume the fruits before they become black, though, as they are only safe to eat after they are mature.

Those delicious berries are enjoyed by a multitude of species besides humans. The fruit-bearing tree is a popular destination for birds such as blue jays, robins, and cedar waxwings, as stated on the Wildtree blog. Furthermore, homesteaders might wish to include some of these enormous mulberries in their properties as well, since the berries are also great for chickens and pigs, too.

That being said, if you live in an area where mulberry trees are prohibited, you may want to pick blackberries or raspberries instead. They both provide delicious food during their flowering period and benefit local fauna without breaking any rules.

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