When it comes to underplanting trees, different opinions always clash. However, if you pay attention to a few points, planting under the apple tree can even be beneficial.

Balancing different needs

Of course, an apple tree is easier to reach during regular tree pruning or when harvesting apples if there is only meadow or earth in the immediate vicinity of the trunk. Especially with specimens that have been grafted as a standard on a base, it can be optically more beautiful if there is a growth of other plants around the trunk. However, care should be taken to ensure that the plants are not heavy-consuming plants that draw too many nutrients and too much water from the area around the tree grate. Perennial perennials that are cut back in the fall are also ideal for this purpose, as fallen fruit around the trunk can then be removed more easily to protect against fungal attack.

From low to high ascending

In principle, there are not many limits to the imagination when it comes to underplanting. However, most apple varieties tend to form shallow roots, which is why no very deep-rooted perennials should be planted directly in the area of the tree pit. If you want to plant a towering rambler rose on the apple trunk, it should be planted in the ground area at least half a meter from the trunk. Otherwise, it also protects against injury to the fine hairy roots of the apple tree if a layer of loose humus or compost is first applied to the tree disc. Many flowering perennials don't have very deep roots, but they still increase the water requirements in that area of the garden. You should take this into account when watering the apple tree in summer.

Suitable varieties for planting under the apple tree

Berry bushes such as currants are known for keeping voles and other rodent pests away from the apple tree roots with their specific smell. The following flowers are rather undemanding and sow well even under shady treetops:

  • marigold
  • columbine
  • Nasturtium

In addition, plants such as nasturtium and rhubarb offer the advantage that, as so-called living mulch, they regularly provide rottable plant parts directly around the tree trunk. This saves you the hassle of bringing in compost for fertilization.

tips and tricks

Despite the underplanting, look specifically for rotten fruit around the tree trunk. Only removing these from the underplanting perennials will ensure the tree's vitality by preventing powdery mildew and other diseases.

Category:

Trees