What Should You Not Plant Near Fruit Trees

Fruit trees are an essential part of any garden, providing fresh and nutritious produce for the entire family. However, planting the wrong plants near your fruit trees can wreak havoc on their growth and development, eventually leading to a decline in yields. This article will outline some of the plants you should avoid planting near your fruit trees.

Avoid Planting Grass

Grass is a common sight in many gardens, but it's not the best companion for fruit trees. When grass is planted too close to fruit trees, it competes with the trees for sunlight, water, and nutrients. This can cause stunted growth, weak branches, and fruit with poor quality. Additionally, mowing the grass can damage the tree's roots and trunk, leaving it vulnerable to pests and diseases. Therefore, it's best to keep grass at a safe distance from fruit trees.

Avoid Planting Weeds

Just like grass, weeds can compete with fruit trees for nutrients and water. However, weeds can be even more harmful to fruit trees because they tend to grow deep and extensive roots that steal nutrients from the tree's roots. Some of the common weeds to avoid planting near fruit trees include dandelions, thistles, and dock. Weeds can also provide hiding spots for pests and diseases that can harm fruit trees. It's best to remove existing weeds and prevent new ones from growing by using mulch or herbicides.

Avoid Planting Nitrogen-Fixing Plants

Nitrogen-fixing plants are plants that take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that's usable by other plants. While these plants are beneficial to the environment and can improve soil fertility, they can be damaging to fruit trees. This is because an excess of nitrogen can cause trees to grow too fast, leading to weak branches and a lack of fruit. Some of the common nitrogen-fixing plants to avoid planting near fruit trees include clover, alfalfa, and beans.

Avoid Planting Shrubs and Bushes

Shrubs and bushes can provide an attractive backdrop to your fruit trees, but they can also cause problems. When planted too close to fruit trees, they can block out the sun and prevent air from circulating around the tree. This can cause the tree's leaves and fruit to be more susceptible to disease and pests. Additionally, shrubs and bushes can become a source of competition for water and nutrients, leading to stunted tree growth and fewer fruits. Therefore, it's best to keep shrubs and bushes at a safe distance from fruit trees.

Conclusion

While there are many plants that can be planted close to fruit trees, there are also several plants that should be avoided. Grass, weeds, nitrogen-fixing plants, shrubs, and bushes can all cause issues for fruit trees, so it's important to keep them at a safe distance. By planting the right companions and avoiding the wrong ones, you can ensure your fruit trees thrive and provide delicious produce for years to come.