Beautiful and colorful like flowers, the trees in the garden are adorned with shiny fruits, not only pleasing to the eyes but also a delight to the taste buds. To harvest large and beautiful fruits, it is not enough to just provide sunlight, soil, and fertilizer. Gardening experts suggest that the plants surrounding the fruit trees should not be ignored, as there are 6 types of plants that should be avoided planting. This is because these plants can attract pests, spread diseases, and compete with fruit trees for nutrients.
Focused on lifestyle information, the website MarthaStewart consulted gardening experts to share the types of plants that should not be planted near fruit trees.
Juniper is a bad neighbor for fruit trees. They easily become hosts for the cedar apple rust disease. The rust fungus forms on junipers and if left to mature, spores will be released into the air.
“The spores will land on nearby fruit trees. Then the spores will attack, causing orange spots all over the fruit, making it look very unappealing,” said gardening expert Adrienne Roethling.
The spores also land on the leaves of the fruit trees. If infected leaves fall to the ground and overwinter, the problem will reappear in the next season.
Roethling mentioned that walnut trees’ plants can grow very large, meaning their roots will spread extensively. Most parts of a walnut tree secrete toxins harmful to fruit trees, especially apples.
The juglone released by the walnut tree is a chemical toxin that may interfere with the metabolism of the fruit tree, leading to poor root development or weakening of tree vigor, and in severe cases, gradual death of the fruit tree.
Mint is an extremely invasive herbaceous plant, so it is best to plant it in containers, not suitable for planting near fruit trees.
“Do not plant mint in the ground because the roots of mint will grow thick and may squeeze the roots of the fruit tree,” Roethling said. “If not controlled, mint will be difficult to manage and remove in the future.”
Ornamental grasses have beautiful forms and rich colors. However, many species have deep roots, and if planted near fruit trees, they will compete for water and nutrients.
Damon Abdi from the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University AgCenter said, “Compared to turf grass, ornamental grasses are taller, full-leaved, and attractive, supporting a variety of insects and animals.”
“However, if too many small animals crawl around, this could pose a problem – they may eat the fruit before you have the chance to harvest it,” Abdi said.
Do not plant root crops such as potatoes, carrots, and beets near fruit trees. Larger root crops will compete with the roots of fruit trees for soil space, nutrients, and water.
In addition, planting and harvesting root crops require frequent soil disturbance, which will inhibit the growth and maturity of fruit trees, especially apple trees or cherry trees.
If turf grass is planted directly near the trunk of fruit trees, their roots will compete with the fruit trees for water and nutrients in the soil.
Abdi recommends keeping a clean area covered with organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, under the fruit trees to promote fruit tree growth. Organic mulch can suppress weeds, maintain soil moisture and temperature, and provide organic matter during the decomposition process.
However, Abdi reminds that when placing mulch around fruit trees (or any trees), make sure the mulch does not pile up against the trunk, as it can lead to disease issues and harm the health of the fruit trees.