White Mulberry branches

[DC]

The guy up the street is going to cut a few branches off his White Mulberry. How small a diameter is worth scooping? The ones he pointed at looked like around an inch or so.

[Pat B]

I'd say 2"+ but if all you can get is 1" that should at least make a kids bow.

[Springbuck]

Yeah, if it's long and clean, I have done some darn good bows with mulberry suckers just like that, but it's gottabe about 2" to get significant draw weight out of it.

[DC]

Thanks, I'll see if I can talk him into a more "severe" pruning job

[Springbuck]

    I actually have pretty good success with those long suckers trimmed off an old mulberry that was topped and grew back.  They do have a pith channel in the middle, which is one of the reasons you need a certain amount of thickness.  But, they make nice staves, easy to tiller, but with some cool little knots, lumps, and character.  They are tough like elm, and a little heat treating makes them pretty good bow wood.