What Not to Plant With Apple Trees

Apple trees are a popular fruit-bearing tree that can add beauty and productivity to any garden or orchard. However, not all plants make good companions for apple trees. Certain plants can compete with apple trees for resources, attract pests or diseases, or harm the tree’s growth and development. Here are some plants to avoid planting near an apple tree:

Grass

Grass may seem harmless enough, but it can actually be detrimental to the growth and health of an apple tree. Grass competes with apple trees for nutrients, water, and sunlight, and can choke out young trees or stunt their growth. It’s best to keep a grass-free area around the base of apple trees to allow proper airflow and nutrient absorption.

Black Walnuts

Black walnut trees are known for secreting a chemical called juglone, which can be toxic to many plants, including apple trees. Juglone can cause apple tree leaves to wilt and turn yellow, and can even kill the tree over time. It’s best to avoid planting apple trees near black walnut trees, or in soil where black walnuts have been grown previously.

Cedar Trees

Cedar trees are attractive evergreens that are often used as a windbreak or privacy screen. However, they can release chemicals into the soil that can be harmful to apple trees. These chemicals can stunt the tree’s growth and reduce its productivity. It’s best to avoid planting apple trees near cedar trees or other evergreens.

Recurring Host Plants for Pests and Diseases

Planting certain species near apple trees can attract pests and diseases, which can cause havoc on an orchard. For example, planting roses near apple trees can attract aphids that can spread viruses to the trees. Similarly, planting tomatoes can attract the tomato fruitworm, which can also damage apple trees. It’s best to keep apple trees away from known recurring hosts for pests and diseases.

Plants with Invasiveness Issues

Some species of plants are extremely invasive and can take over an area quickly. These plants can compete with apple trees for resources and infiltrate the tree’s root system, leading to stunted growth and even death. Some examples of invasive plants to avoid planting near apple trees include kudzu, English ivy, and Japanese knotweed.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right plants to grow near apple trees is important for the tree’s overall health and productivity. Avoiding grass, black walnuts, cedar trees, recurring hosts of pests and diseases, and invasive plants can help keep apple trees thriving. When planning an orchard or garden, it’s important to read up on the plants that make good companions for apple trees, and those that don’t.