What Should You Not Plant Near an Apple Tree

When it comes to planting an apple tree, there are certain things you need to consider to ensure its healthy growth and bountiful harvest. One of the most important considerations is planting companions. Not all plants are ideal to grow near apple trees, as some can cause issues that might affect the tree's health and overall yield. Here, we'll discuss some of the plants you should avoid planting near apple trees.

Grass

Grass is something that you don't want to plant near apple trees. Aside from being a competition for nutrients, grass also attracts pests such as mice, voles, and rabbits, which can harm apple tree roots and the trees themselves. If you must plant grass near apple trees, maintain a grass-free zone that is roughly three feet in diameter around the tree's base to avoid these issues.

Clover

Clover is another plant that you must avoid planting near apple trees. While they are beneficial for adding nitrogen and preventing soil erosion, clovers are not suitable for apple trees. They can attract aphids and other insects that can propagate tree diseases. In addition, clovers make it challenging to add fertilizers and other beneficial materials to the soil because of their deep roots.

Black Walnuts/ Juglone

Black walnuts and other plants that eemit juglone, a toxic compound, should not be planted near apple trees. Juglone is released by certain trees to prevent other plants from growing near them. Apple trees are highly susceptible to this chemical compound, which can cause yellowing of the leaves, stunt growth, and even lead to the tree's death.

Other Fruit Trees

While it can be tempting to plant other fruit trees near apple trees, you should avoid doing so. Other fruit trees usually require similar nutrients and resources, causing them to compete with apple trees. Moreover, they can also attract pests and diseases that can destroy apple trees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting an apple tree is a great investment, but you must be careful not to plant any plants that could harm its growth and fruit production. We hope this article has helped you identify the plants that you should avoid planting near your apple trees. By ensuring that your apple tree is surrounded by an ideal growing environment, you can enjoy a healthy growing tree, and a bountiful harvest.