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Planting around apple trees

Ann85Ann85 Posts: 64
in Fruit & veg
Any help appreciated...we have an apple tree planted in our lawn (4 years old) I planted Canonwent around the base 2 years ago (in a circle glower bed at base) - bees love it. Is this draining the apple tree? It seems unstressed. I like in Kent - summer can be very hot and it’s a south facing garden, so my thinking was a) more flowers for pollinators c) the canonwent might shade the roots a little. Should I move the flowers? 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd agree with @pansyface. There's probably going to be too much competition, but if you're saying the tree isn't stressed, I'm not sure there's any problem. You'd just have to keep an eye on it.
    If it's taking over and affecting the tree, you can always replace it with something more suitable. Spring bulbs are always invaluable for early pollinators, and there are plenty of other suitable, low growing plants for later on after the flowers are done on the tree, and the fruits are forming. As long as the ground isn't drying out too much, that will work well.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    The ideal is to keep an area around the base of any tree clear of plants. I put weed matting down under my trees to cover the same radius as the head of the tree. This avoids starvation and dehydration.
  • jac.emontgomery20jac.emontgomery20 Posts: 1
    Keeping the tree clear of plants around it should be common sense. 
  • Ann85Ann85 Posts: 64
    Thanks so much for all your comments. I will monitor this year and be aware if the apple tree looks affected, I can move the flowers or start again with the flowers from seed in another location. Yes I did read somewhere that spring bulbs can be an option, so I’ll bear that in mind as an option. Thanks everyone! 
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