Questions about harvesting Mulberry

[bjrogg]

I have Zero experience with Mulberry. My cousin knows somebody that wants one either trimmed or removed. My questions are
#1 is Mulberry a white wood? I thought I read something about it being related to Osage so I'm wondering if I harvest during growing season if it will slip bark and cambium or if you remove sapwood and chase ring anyway.
#2 Any tips on what to look for like reading bark or is it basic look for straight with little or no twist in bark.
#3 Any tips on how to handle after harvesting
Any tips would be appreciated if it isn't a white wood I'll probably try to harvest some soon, if it is I may wait till growing season. Of course if he wants it gone I don't want to wait to long
Thanks
Bjrogg

[JoJoDapyro]

It is like Osage. Read that bark like any other tree. After it is cut you will want to seal then ends just like any other wood.

[JacksonCash]

Hopefully you get some good staves from that, I've had my eye on a tree in the neighborhood for some time. The property just sold, so maybe the new owners won't want purple stained everything and will want it gone!

[bjrogg]

Thanks JoJo, if I'm understanding correctly then no advantage to wait till growing season. Have to try to get at it soon.
Yea Jackson, there probably a good possibility your new neighbors won't like that tree. They can be unpopular  for the reasons you stated
Bjrogg

[JoJoDapyro]

As with any wood, it is simpler to have the bark slip. Once it is dried on it makes it more work.

[---GUTSHOT--->]

My first bow was from a mulberry tree off the farm. I was told at the moontree gathering that if I make another mulberry bow to leave the sap wood on it instead of chasing a ring. He said they made a better bow that away. I have yet to make another bow from mulberry so I wouldn't know!  But I cut mine in the summer and the bark slipped right off. Good luck!

[osage outlaw]

It's just like osage.  It has sapwood that can be removed or left on.  The rings are usually thicker than osage.  I roughed out a mulberry a while back.   I left one sapwood ring on the back.  It made the bow look a little like yew but with 3/8" thick rings.  I would cut it now if I had the chance.  I don't like cutting wood in the heat and bugs. 

[DC]

I would cut it as soon as possible. I've lost too many opportunities by procrastinating.

[bjrogg]

Thanks guys for all the information. I think I'm gonna try set it up for this weekend to harvest it. I know what your saying DC. If I don't get it soon he might even pay someone to get rid of it.
Bjrogg

[DC]

If I don't get it soon he might even pay someone to get rid of it.
Bjrogg

There ya go! If you play your cards right you'll have staves and bucks in your jeans

[bjrogg]

That would be nice DC. Right now I have more staves than I do bucks in my jeans and santa gonna look pretty tight around here.
Bjrogg

[chamookman]

Treat Mullberry the same as Hickory - it likes to retain moisture.  bob

[Pat B]

I've made quite a few mulberry bows over the years from all heartwood to all sapwood and everything in between. The more sapwood in the mulberry bow will make a thicker limb. I treated mulberry much like osage when cutting and seasoning. Mulberry is softer and lighter than osage but will make a bow that performs as well as osage because of the physical weight difference. After a few years it is hard to tell the visual difference between the two.