Dangerous neighborhood: never plant these trees and shrubs nearby!

Not all plant growers have the opportunity to set aside a separate place for the garden and plant fruit trees of different types in different corners of the garden to prevent them from influencing each other. More often, trees, shrubs, garden crops, and flowers are grown on a small summer cottage in close proximity to each other. All plants release certain substances, take certain minerals from the soil, attract various insects and inevitably influence their neighbors. Garden crops bear fruit for many years, and the issue of choosing neighbors for them can play an important role. Knowing what can be planted next to an apple tree, and which crops will not get along with it, will allow you to get good apple harvests every year.

Making a planting plan

Having acquired a plot of land, the owner feverishly begins to develop it and makes a major mistake. Trees and shrubs, planted without taking into account their characteristics and compatibility, will over time begin to oppress each other, infect each other with diseases and pests, and get sick due to lack of lighting, nutrition, and moisture. It is more practical to draw several diagrams indicating the main landmarks:

mark the boundaries of the site,
indicate the area that residential and outbuildings will occupy,
for proper lighting of future crops in the garden, it is necessary to draw the location of the site in relation to the cardinal directions: south, north, west, east and note what time of day the individual zones will be illuminated by the sun (for sun lovers and shade-tolerant crops),
indicate the type of soil - chernozem, loam, sandy loam, etc.,
be sure to indicate the depth of groundwater.

The following entry is a list of garden and berry crops for the garden and berry garden. This list is not very large, but the wrong location of trees in the garden, unwanted proximity, competition - all this can, over time, reduce all worries to zero.

So, 1-2-3 trees of each of the desired crops are placed in the garden, taking into account the ripening time, biological characteristics of the variety or hybrid. Usually these are apple trees, pears, plums, cherries, cherries, apricots, peaches, and nuts. Experienced gardeners additionally plant exotic crops. Among the shrubs, berry gardens are most often occupied by black and red currants, gooseberries, raspberries, chokeberries, sea buckthorn, serviceberry, and blackberries.

Having determined the assortment of fruit and berry crops, they enter the data into a table of competitors and unwanted neighbors. The diagram clearly indicates where and what garden crops will be planted, taking into account compatibility, competition and protection measures.

Orchard

Why can't some plants be planted nearby?

Common diseases and pests. One of the most common reasons why some fruit and berry crops are not recommended to be planted close to each other is the presence of typical diseases and pests. And although this does not guarantee one hundred percent protection from infection, trees and shrubs that can infect neighboring plants should be placed at a respectful distance from each other.

Tulips, lilies and muscari are affected by the same pests, so it is not recommended to plant flowers nearby

Allelopathy. Initially, this term denoted the properties of various plants and animals to secrete chemical substances during their life processes that negatively affect the development of other organisms. Moreover, at first this concept only denoted the negative impact of cultures. However, over time, allelopathy began to be called any interaction between plants.

Chestnut and oak are trees with high allelopathy

In trees, a striking example of negative allelopathy is the “poisoning” of the soil with fallen leaves of chestnut, walnut, oak and most coniferous species. Substances produced during the decomposition of leaves make the soil unsuitable for trees of other species. Positive allelopathy is a neighborhood in which the plant secretes substances that inhibit the growth of weeds and prevent the spread of pests and diseases among neighbors. A good example is planting onions between rows of potatoes or tomatoes to prevent late blight.

Trees that should not be planted nearby
We talk about why trees do not get along side by side, and how to prevent a dangerous neighborhood.

Compatibility of berry bushes and fruit trees

The compatibility table will help you understand which crops can be planted next to each other:

Compatible

kinds

Incompatible

kinds

The compatibility table shows that there are three types of crops:

Compatible - get along well in the neighborhood.
Competitor plants - it is not recommended to plant closer than at a distance of 6 m - 7 m.
Crops are antagonists - no fruit species grow next to them; it is possible to plant some flower or vegetable plants.

In single plantings, it is recommended to plant sea buckthorn and barberry, viburnum and rose hips, lilac, fir and other coniferous species that are kept in summer cottages for decorative purposes.

Note! Even compatible species begin to compete for food, light and moisture if the distance between trees is not maintained when planting. For tall trees, the optimal distance is 4.5 m - 5.5 m, for medium-sized trees - 3.5 m - 4.0 m, dwarf and columnar trees are planted at a distance of 2.5 m

For tall trees, the optimal distance is 4.5 m - 5.5 m, for medium-sized trees - 3.5 m - 4.0 m, dwarf and columnar trees are planted at a distance of 2.5 m.

Apple tree - what is it planted with?

Raspberries are planted only under young apple trees. Under mature trees with a spreading crown, raspberries feel discomfort, they do not have enough sun, as a result of which diseases and infection with garden parasites occur.

Any stone fruit species is planted from the apple tree at a distance of at least 6.0 m - 7.0 m. It is strictly forbidden to plant an apple tree together with a hazel tree.

Pear - compatible crops

The pear reacts negatively to other fruit trees and berry fields; it is especially not recommended to keep cherry plum, apricot, plum, gooseberry, or any currant in the neighborhood.

Cherry - what to plant nearby

It gets along well with stone fruit crops; planting plums or cherries is especially favorable. Do not plant cherries with raspberries, all varieties of currants, and gooseberries.

A rowan planted near a cherry tree will suffer, be depressed and get sick.

Plum does not tolerate the proximity of any fruit trees - pome and stone fruit, except apple trees, but shrubs can be planted near it. Most often, planting plum trees with other crops shares black currants. The plum tree reacts well to gooseberries and does not compete with the nearby raspberries.

Walnut

Walnut foliage contains a herbicide of plant origin - juglone, due to which no fruit crops grow near the tree, as well as under the crown. Exceptions may include sea buckthorn, dogwood, and medicinal herbs.

What can be planted under an apple tree in the garden, proximity to flowers, trees and berry bushes

Gardeners are often interested in the question of what is best to plant under an apple tree. When choosing a crop, it is important to consider that the roots of a tree spread over long distances, drawing out most of the moisture and microelements from the soil. A crown of impressive diameter shades the area around it. These conditions are not suitable for the development of many plants. But summer residents, especially in small areas, try to plant every corner. The main thing is to follow some tips and rules.

Microclimate under the canopy

When planting any crop on a site, they follow the rules of their compatibility, the characteristics of their influence on the soil, the size and growth of the root system. Some crops do not develop in the shade of apple tree foliage and have a bad effect on its growth. But there are also plants that improve the composition of the soil, repel pests, thereby helping the apple tree to develop normally.

When choosing neighbors for a shady area under an apple tree, take into account that the plant should be shade-tolerant, without the ability to form deep roots, not particularly demanding of nutrients, with a short growing season.

The basic rules that are taken into account when planting plants under an apple tree include:

the distance from the root collar should be at least 25 cm;
there is no need to plant the crop too densely so that it is possible to collect fallen fruits;
when treating with chemicals, it is important to remember that the solution also gets on the plants growing around the tree;
you cannot dig up the soil around the trunk deeper than 17 cm;
other trees and shrubs with strong roots should not be planted near the apple tree.

The foliage of the apple tree allows light to pass through, creating diffuse partial shade, which prevents the soil from drying out excessively. Therefore, there is enough light for the development of some other plants.

Flowers for planting under an apple tree

If apple trees in the country are periodically sprayed against pests and various infections, then it is better to abandon crops that bear fruit for food consumption. The place is successfully filled with flowers.

Wild growing

It is not necessary to buy seeds of ornamental plants in stores. An excellent option to plant around a tree would be wild flowers. Growing them is not difficult, they adapt to any conditions, plus the smell of many of them repels pests.

A perennial plant such as tansy grows well in the shade. Lush yellow inflorescence on long stems will decorate any area. The flower repels pests such as codling moths and aphids. Flower seeds, falling to the ground, form new buds the next year. The main task of the gardener is to form a neat bush.

You can sow the area around the apple tree with white clover. During flowering, a beautiful white carpet is formed, which becomes a soft bedding for falling apples. The pleasant, sweetish aroma of clover attracts the attention of pollinating insects, which will improve the quality of pollination of the apple tree itself. In addition, white clover saturates the soil with nitrogen and protects the roots from attack by larvae.

Celandine is capable of disinfecting and purifying soil. The plant protects the area from aphid attack.

A plant such as lupine will help increase productivity. The flower enriches the earth with nitrogen. In autumn, this plant in crushed form is used to mulch the soil.

Cultivated

You can plant marigolds around the trunk of a fruit tree. The flowers are unpretentious and can grow in the shade. Many pests do not like the smell of plants. In addition, the plant protects the tree from fungal infections.

Decorate the area around the tree with nasturtiums. A lush carpet of flowers protects the soil from the first frosts, serves as a natural mulch and repels most pests.

Asters are perennial and annual. They differ in the size and shape of the petals, color and diameter of the inflorescence. Any variety of flower will decorate the garden. It is recommended to sow asters under an apple tree.

Feels good under the pome fruit crop calendula. It is considered a medicinal plant that repels insects. Calendula attracts ladybugs, which destroy aphids.

Many gardeners plant spring flowers, which have time to bloom before the leaves bloom on the branches of the tree and create shade. These flowers include tulips, crocuses, and daffodils.

Flowers such as iris, daylily, pansies, primrose, swimsuit, sedum, daisies, and forget-me-nots also go well with wood.

Flower bed location options

Flowers can be planted in various ways:

It is possible to plant flowers in rows, alternating several types.
A flowerbed of flowers of the same color looks beautiful.
As an option, make a multi-tiered composition, combining it with other greenery and decorative stones.
You can sow flowers in separate containers or make a convex bed for them.

Description of the beautiful apple variety Florina

Some gardeners sow their lawn with meadow grass seeds.

Garden plants and herbs

If the apple tree in the garden is not sprayed with chemicals all year round, then you can plant crops that tolerate partial shade. Garlic, legumes, and spinach develop well under these conditions. The greens growing under the tree have a juicy taste and rich aroma: sorrel, parsley, dill, salads.

cucumbers

If the crown of the tree is well thinned out and is far from the ground, cucumbers are planted in the tree trunk zone at a distance of one meter. The site has been prepared since the fall. They bring in two buckets of humus and carefully dig up the soil, trying not to damage the roots of the tree.

In the spring, the tree trunk area is cleared of fallen leaves and depressions are made along the perimeter at a distance of 35 cm. As soon as the soil warms up, seedlings are planted. A peg is stuck near each cucumber bush. A rope is stretched from the peg to the lower branches of the tree. The lashes of cucumbers will climb up along them.

Water the cucumbers every other day. Feeding is done once every two weeks. Use mullein solution.

Tomatoes

Some experienced gardeners use the area under apple trees to plant several tomato bushes. The smell of tomato tops repels many pests. It should be remembered that a good harvest of tomatoes when planted under a tree can only be harvested in a good, warm summer.

Pumpkins and zucchini

You can grow pumpkins and zucchini under a tree, but only if sunlight touches the area for at least a few hours a day. First, the ground is mulched. Holes are made in the mulch layer and filled with soil and fertilizer. Only after this, germinated seeds or young seedlings are planted in the recesses.

Advice. It is not advisable to plant both vegetable crops under a tree at the same time. The proximity of these crops leads to cross-pollination, as a result of which the quality and taste of the fruit decreases.

Shade-loving berry plants

Strawberries and wild strawberries are sown around the trunk. These berries are early, so they will have time to develop sufficiently before the lush crown blooms on the apple tree.

Berries growing under a tree do not dry out and do not require frequent watering. In order for the sun's rays to fall on the clearing of berries, they are planted at a distance of 90-110 cm from the trunk.

Shrubs

It is recommended to plant shrubs away from the apple tree. Many shrubs have powerful root branches that will suppress the growth of the tree.

You cannot plant rose bushes, lilacs, barberries, jasmine, viburnum, and junipers near fruit crops. All these shrubs can negatively affect the immunity of the apple tree.

Currant

Currant is a perennial shrub that can have a spreading or compact growth pattern. The height of the plant is within 150 cm. Currants grow well in partial shade.

Currants take root quite well near the apple tree. It should be planted at a distance of 1.5-2 meters, so that there is enough free space for the roots, and light penetrates the bush without obstacles.

Pruning branches of two garden crops is carried out at the same time, which is very convenient. Fertilizers are used universal.

Advice. You can’t plant red and black currants next to each other, as the yield of berries will decrease.

If there is a need to transplant the currant to another place, you should carefully dig up its roots so as not to damage the root system of the apple tree.

Juniper

Juniper is an evergreen coniferous shrub. The height of the plant reaches three meters. The shrub is very demanding of light. Be sure to take into account the neighborhood to exclude many diseases.

Juniper grown under an apple tree can negatively affect its development and fruiting. The shrub is often subject to diseases such as rust. Infections are quickly transmitted to the fruit crop, reduce the size of the crop and lead to drying of the branches.

Raspberries

A popular fruit and berry bush on the site is raspberries. The raspberry root system grows strongly and is located close to the surface of the earth, so it absorbs a lot of water and microelements.

Raspberry bush does not fit well with other trees and shrubs. But not everyone. Raspberries get along well with apple trees. These two cultures protect each other from various diseases. It is better to plant raspberries on the south side of the tree.

Raspberries that are planted under a fruit crop need frequent watering. If there is a lack of moisture, the berries grow small and the leaves dry out.

What trees can be planted nearby?

The apple tree has powerful roots, so any tree planted nearby competes with it for moisture and nutritional components. Pear and raspberry trees do well with apple trees. But if favorable conditions are created, other trees can be planted.

Cherry

The fruit tree is quite compatible with cherries. But it is worth remembering that cherries develop well and form a high-quality harvest only on fertile soils with high aeration and moisture permeability.

If you plant a crop close to an apple tree, the yield will be significantly reduced, as competition will arise. The optimal distance between planted trees is 10 meters.

Cherry

The apple tree has a strong, developed root and a large crown. Cherry is not a very tall tree, so this proximity affects the amount of harvest. Apple and cherry trees love the same soil. The land should be fertile, moderately acidic.

When planting an apple tree and a cherry tree next to each other, take into account the optimal distance from each other. The distance from medium-sized varieties of apple trees to cherries should be at least 9 meters. If the apple tree is large, then the distance increases to 13 meters. To reap a rich harvest of cherries, choose the lightest and windiest area in the garden for planting.

Plum

Plum is a stone fruit crop. The average height of a tree is 8 meters. The root system spreads over long distances, deepening by 35 cm.

Favorable compatibility between apple and plum trees. Just follow one condition - you need to plant plums at a distance of 2 meters. Gardeners note the high productivity of crops that grow in the neighborhood.

Compatibility of currants - the best neighbors in the garden

You can safely plant onions next to currant bushes, both black and red. It is better to do this before winter, since in the spring it will protect the berry bushes from the bud mite, a dangerous pest.

Honeysuckle will be an excellent neighbor for black currants. Plum also grows well next to black currants.

Black currants are a bad neighbor for cherries and pears, which may even die next to them.

As for its closest relative, red currants, you need to be careful. Red and black currants do not get along well with each other. An example is the photo at the beginning of the article. I was unable to take a photo to show that black currants were growing behind the neighbor’s fence. But I assure you, before this my red currants were literally strewn with berries. But the neighbor at the dacha planted a black one on his side along the fence - as a result, his harvest was meager and so was mine. Neither of us knew about the incompatibility of these plants...

Six months have passed since I published this article. In winter it was not yet clear what we would see in the garden in the spring. Now I can already say that practically both my neighbor and my neighbor in the country have lost our currants. After spring, not a single (!) black currant bush “woke up” for him, and out of three red currant bushes, I only had one left.

The same applies to raspberries. Its root system is very freedom-loving and requires new territories. The currants from such a free neighbor begin to wither, and the yield drops.

What affects the compatibility and incompatibility of plants

Light - plants planted nearby should not cover their neighbor with their shadow.

Before planting fruit trees, you need to plan everything correctly.

Soil - the roots of fruit plants and shrubs must receive plenty of water and nutrients. For close proximity, they try to select plants whose roots are at different ground levels.
Nutrition - each plant needs a certain set of organic and mineral elements, which they receive from the environment. For growth and fruiting, each plant must be fully provided with them ; they must not compete with each other. For example, fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers, which is necessary for some, may cause later and poor fruiting in another plant.
Allelopathy is the ability of plants to secrete substances that inhibit or stop the growth of other plants. There is simply no need to plant plants together that can negatively impact each other, so to speak, compete ecologically.

Compatibility of berry bushes and fruit trees

The compatibility table will help you understand which crops can be planted next to each other:

Planted crop	Compatible kinds	Incompatible kinds
Apple tree	Pear, raspberry	Cherry, sour cherry, white currant, hazel, plum, apricot
Pear	Grapes, apple tree, black currant	Plum, cherry, white currant, rowan, peach, walnut
Cherry	Pear, cherry, apple, grape, plum	Currant (all varieties), pear
Cherries	Apple tree, cherry	Plum, cherry plum
Plum	Raspberries, any currants, gooseberries, apple trees	Sweet cherry, cherry, pear
Apricot	Only with apricot	Any crops
Walnut	Medicinal herbs	Any garden crops
Grape	Cherry, pear	Hazel, quince
Currant (white)	Black currant	Pears, apple trees
Red currants	Cherry, sweet cherry, gooseberry	Raspberries, black currants
Currant (black)	Apple tree	Cherry, sour cherry, plum, raspberry, gooseberry, red currant
Gooseberry	Red currant, cherry	Raspberry, apple tree, black currant
Sea buckthorn	Sea buckthorn	Any crops
Raspberries	Apple tree	Strawberries (strawberries), red currants
Strawberry	Bush beans, garlic, parsley	Raspberry, sea buckthorn

The compatibility table shows that there are three types of crops:

Compatible - get along well in the neighborhood.
Competitor plants - it is not recommended to plant closer than at a distance of 6 m - 7 m.
Crops are antagonists - no fruit species grow next to them; it is possible to plant some flower or vegetable plants.

Note! Even compatible species begin to compete for food, light and moisture if the distance between trees is not maintained when planting

Apple tree - what is it planted with?

An adult apple tree has a powerful root system, so this fruit crop competes with almost all species for food and water. Next to the apple tree, only the pear feels good, and among the berry species, raspberries.

Any stone fruit species is planted from the apple tree at a distance of at least 6.0 m - 7.0 m. It is strictly forbidden to plant an apple tree together with a hazel tree.

Pear - compatible crops

Despite the fact that the apple tree tolerates the proximity of the pear well, the pear itself does not like the apple tree. Pears are planted in group mono plantings because this crop is self-sterile, and rowan, red-fruited or chokeberry can be planted nearby.

The pear reacts negatively to other fruit trees and berry fields; it is especially not recommended to keep cherry plum, apricot, plum, gooseberry, or any currant in the neighborhood.

Cherry - what to plant nearby

It gets along well with stone fruit crops; planting plums or cherries is especially favorable. Do not plant cherries with raspberries, all varieties of currants, and gooseberries.

A rowan planted near a cherry tree will suffer, be depressed and get sick.

Cherries

In the pair “cherry - cherry” the same incident occurs as in the pair “apple - pear”. Cherries respond well to sweet cherries, but not vice versa. Cherry is a capricious crop and you can only plant cherry plum or plum next to it. In addition to cherries, this crop reacts negatively to the proximity of an apple tree. But there are no restrictions on planting berry bushes.

Plum

Grape

This southern plant grows happily in the vicinity of stone fruit and pome-bearing tree species. Does not tolerate quince and hazel trees near it.

Walnut

Instructions for planting plants under an apple tree

When designing a plot, it is important to know what can be planted around the apple tree. Over time, the crown of this fruit tree grows and provides shade, and the root system deteriorates the soil. Not all plants will grow well with such a neighbor. In our article we will tell you what to plant under the apple tree in the country.

How to choose

When choosing plants, you need to take into account their love for the sun, the development of the root system, and the need for moisture. The crown of the apple tree provides diffuse shade. Sun-loving crops cannot be planted under it. Very fragile plants are also not planted. Ripe apples will fall to the ground, injuring the flowers under the tree.

However, you can choose flowers, shrubs, and trees that take root well next to this fruit crop.

The easiest way is to sow the ground with green grass, creating a neat lawn. Wild strawberries and other shade-tolerant berry crops can take root.

We invite you to find out in more detail what to plant next to the apple tree or directly under it.

Flowers

Choose flowers that can grow nearby in diffuse partial shade and do not require frequent loosening of the soil. After all, this can damage the roots of the apple tree.

What flowers can be planted under an apple tree: daisies, bluebells, muscari, crocuses, marigolds, impatiens and periwinkles, pansies.

In addition to flowering plants, you can plant herbs nearby.

The best options are fescue, ryegrass, bluegrass or clover.

If there are a lot of apple trees in the garden, then it is not advisable to plant only ornamental plants. It is more profitable to plant something useful. Parsley, dill, sorrel, garlic, lettuce, cilantro and even cucumbers will grow well.

Trees

Not all trees get along well with each other. The apple tree is no exception. Do not plant rowan, acacia, elderberry, black viburnum, peaches, or nuts nearby.

Cherries do not get along well with some varieties of apples. Bird cherry attracts glass beetles, which have a very bad effect on fruit trees. Another bad neighborhood - hawthorn

Features of planting an apple tree Desired

Cherries do not grow well with some varieties of apples. Plum trees are planted at a distance of four meters or more. Other stone fruits are also recommended to be planted away from the apple tree.

Now you need to find out which trees you can plant an apple tree with. A good neighbor of the day is the ash-leaved maple. It protects the apple tree from the codling moth. To prevent the maple from growing large, you can grow it on a trunk and constantly trim the crown.

The apple tree also grows well with other deciduous trees: linden, oak, birch (subject to regular watering), hazel. The ideal neighborhood is apple trees.

Is it possible to plant an apple and a pear tree next to each other? This is one of the most frequently asked questions among gardeners. Opinions differ a little here. The root system of an adult apple tree can destroy a young pear. Conclusion - you need to plant them at the same time and at a sufficient distance from each other (about four meters).

Shrubs

Under no circumstances should you plant viburnum, barberry, jasmine, lilac and rose bushes. Do not plant junipers nearby; they suffer from rust, which will negatively affect the health of the apple tree.

The root system of an apple tree can deplete the roots of shrubs. It is better to plant such plants away from the tree. You can try combining apple and raspberry, but still keep your distance.

What to plant after the apple tree

What cannot be planted after the apple tree? It is not recommended to plant a new apple tree after the old one. Also, the pear will not take root in this place. Strawberries are not planted immediately after uprooting, but after a couple of seasons they may well take root.

What can you plant after the apple tree? After the apple tree, it is good to grow vegetables, annual herbs and ornamental flowers. Cereals and legumes grow well. Immediately after uprooting, cherries and sweet cherries can take root. But it is better to plant other trees after 4 years, when the root system has completely rotted in the soil.

Now you know what to plant under the apple tree and you can rationally design the territory of your site.

Fertilizer for fruit tree seedlings

Young seedlings need additional nutrition with minerals and organic matter. The most important microelements are phosphorus, potassium, calcium. Sulfur, iron, and manganese are of secondary importance. The best option is complex fertilizer.

Thus, nitrogen is present in bird droppings, manure and compost. These substances are diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10. In spring, it is good to combine organic fertilizers with ammonium nitrate. After 4 years, additional nutrition with phosphorus and potassium is gradually introduced.

Fruit trees can be fed with these mixtures during the formation of ovaries, as well as in the spring. Superphosphate is an excellent fertilizer containing phosphoric acid. Suitable for all fruit crops.

Important! For seedlings that are not sufficiently strong, do not use fertilizers containing nitrogen. This will only reduce their resistance to low temperatures, as it helps prolong the growth period

Compatibility with herbaceous plants

Those who try to profitably use every centimeter of land on their plot will be deeply disappointed: it will not be possible to create full-fledged vegetable beds under the plum tree for a number of reasons:

The root system of the plum lies superficially, so the trunk circles cannot be dug up, only loosened, while many vegetable crops require preliminary mechanical tillage of the soil for high-quality growth. During deep digging, the roots of the tree are injured, as a result of which the development of root shoots is activated. Root growth weakens the plum, reduces its yield and winter hardiness.
Growing plums involves systematically treating the crown with solutions of special chemicals, and under no circumstances should poisonous drops be allowed to enter beds with ripening vegetables.
The close proximity of some crops is extremely dangerous for a fruit tree. Pathogenic fungi, the causative agents of characteristic plum diseases, develop on strawberries and nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco, etc.).

Flowering pollinator groups

One of the easiest ways to determine whether two varieties can pollinate each other is to look at the stated dates of pollination or flowering groups. This information is available in horticultural complexes and agricultural organizations, where it is recorded annually based on the results of observations. The catalog contains dates of pollen formation and varieties that grow at approximately the same time. The groups are assigned letters or numbers and are usually numbered in order from early to late flowering varieties of each species.

In cool, temperate climates where spring lasts for a long time, the end of flowering dates for some varieties overlap with the beginning of others, so almost all can pollinate each other. However, in warm continental climates, where the transition from winter to summer occurs very quickly, 2 groups are distinguished. The early ones will overlap in date only with their “classmates”, but will not pollinate the late ones.

The problem is that flowering dates differ from one region to another, meaning trees in more southern or sheltered areas usually begin to bloom earlier than in northern climates.

Important! In continental climates, spring is often short and the transition from winter to summer occurs very quickly, but in temperate climates this transition is more gradual and less expected, resulting in a longer flowering season

Shade-loving berry plants

Strawberries and wild strawberries are sown around the trunk. These berries are early, so they will have time to develop sufficiently before the lush crown blooms on the apple tree.

Berries growing under a tree do not dry out and do not require frequent watering. In order for the sun's rays to fall on the clearing of berries, they are planted at a distance of 90-110 cm from the trunk.

Shrubs

It is recommended to plant shrubs away from the apple tree. Many shrubs have powerful root branches that will suppress the growth of the tree.

You cannot plant rose bushes, lilacs, barberries, jasmine, viburnum, and junipers near fruit crops. All these shrubs can negatively affect the immunity of the apple tree.

Currant

Currant is a perennial shrub that can have a spreading or compact growth pattern. The height of the plant is within 150 cm. Currants grow well in partial shade.

Juniper

Juniper is an evergreen coniferous shrub. The height of the plant reaches three meters. The shrub is very demanding of light. Be sure to take into account the neighborhood to exclude many diseases.

Raspberries

A popular fruit and berry bush on the site is raspberries. The raspberry root system grows strongly and is located close to the surface of the earth, so it absorbs a lot of water and microelements.

Raspberries that are planted under a fruit crop need frequent watering. If there is a lack of moisture, the berries grow small and the leaves dry out.

Conditions necessary for comfortable growth of an apple tree.

Many amateur gardeners take up growing fruit trees in their summer cottage. This is an extremely interesting and very difficult task, but the joy from the harvest obtained from self-grown trees will compensate for all your labor costs. And in order to ultimately get this very harvest, you need to know some nuances even before planting the seedlings.

First of all, carefully consider the choice of seedlings, study all the available information and select a variety that is suitable for cultivation in your region, taking into account its climatic characteristics. If you live in the south of the country or in the middle zone, this will be easier to do, but finding varieties of apple trees for the northern regions will be a more difficult task, but it is also possible. Winter frosts can negatively affect the tree and, most likely, you will have to additionally insulate it, as well as protect it from spring return frosts, which can often be destructive for flowers (in this case, smoke or sprinkling comes to the rescue, you just need to carefully monitor the forecast weather). So when purchasing, be sure to consult with your gardening neighbors, as well as with the consultants of the nursery or garden center where you plan to purchase planting material.

Now there are more than thirty species and approximately ten thousand varieties of apple trees, but not all of them can grow in the middle zone, in Siberia and the Urals. On the other hand, with proper hard work and care for the tree, even a southern heat-loving variety can be grown, for example, in the Moscow region.

For any plants, and especially for apple trees, an important point is the level of soil acidity. Therefore, before planting, you need to conduct a test and find out the pH level in your area. To do this, you will need a special tester; if you don’t have one and didn’t plan to buy it, then ask your neighbors - probably some experienced and responsible gardener will have such a device.

Dig a hole about ten centimeters deep; there should be no lumps of soil or plant debris in it.

Then you will need water, and special attention must be paid to the quality of the water. Do not use rainwater (it is highly acidic), tap water or bottled water (they, on the contrary, are alkaline)

To maintain the purity of the experiment, buy distilled water, pour it into the hole (liquid dirt will form), lower the probe of the device into it (first wipe it well with a clean cloth) and take it out after a minute. To get the most accurate result, take several measurements (respectively, dig and fill several holes with water). The pH level is measured in the range from 1 to 14, the optimal value for planting an apple tree will be from 6 to 7. If the soil in the intended planting location is too dense or depleted, then it may be worth restoring it and postponing planting apple trees for now.

Conditions created by the tree crown

The crown of an adult apple tree grown on a seed rootstock can reach 6–6.5 m in diameter. At the same time, proper tree care involves its regular pruning, aimed, among other things, at thinning the crown.

This is necessary to ensure that all fruit branches receive uniform and intense lighting, without which normal ripening of the crop is impossible.

In addition, the fight against excessive crown density is aimed at ensuring good air exchange in the branches, which, in turn, is an additional protection for the tree from various diseases and pests.

It will be useful for you to know what to do with the tops that appear on the apple tree and how to prune them correctly.

Thus, an apple tree in a dacha provides its owner with more than six square meters of diffused shade, which is simply a sin not to use: any gardener knows how difficult it can sometimes be to protect delicate flowers, berries or vegetables from the direct rays of the hot July sun.

To do this, it is necessary to install special sheds, which require additional effort, financial costs and, in addition, often disfigure the site. Using the useful space under the tree allows you to easily and effectively solve this problem.

However, not all so simple. The fact is that the apple tree is not only a shadow. The active root system of a fruit tree has a very serious impact on the soil, and this applies to its composition, structure, and moisture.

Therefore, when choosing plants with which to plant the area around the tree trunk, it is necessary to take into account not only the degree of their shade tolerance and moisture-loving nature, but also the requirements for the composition of the soil, that is, in other words, their compatibility with the apple tree. In agricultural science, this term is called allelopathy.

Important! The term allelopathy comes from two ancient Greek words, allelon (ἀλλήλων), meaning “mutually,” and pathos (πάθος), meaning suffering. It is usually understood as the property of plants or other living organisms to negatively influence each other due to the release of certain chemical compounds (toxins, phenolic compounds, phytoncides, alkaloids, etc.).

For example, the root system of an apple tree, especially an old one, oversaturates the soil with the glycoside phlorizin, which inhibits the development of other stone fruit crops, as well as plants such as roses, viburnum or lilacs.

On the other hand, potatoes release substances into the soil that block the absorption of nitrogen by apple trees (lack of nitrogen, in turn, slows down the formation of green mass, inhibits photosynthesis processes, that is, prevents the tree from developing normally). Thus, neither potatoes, nor lilacs, nor roses should be planted within the distribution of the root system of the apple tree.

Let's give a few more examples. In the shade of an apple tree, or rather, in the soil, which is affected by the root system of the tree, peas, soybeans, corn and wheat will feel depressed, and the last two crops to a particularly strong degree.

And, conversely, the apple tree will be oppressed by golden currants, although they themselves are stimulated by the apple tree and form especially powerful and tall (up to 1.8 m) bushes. With regard to black currant, the situation is ambiguous: some gardeners claim that this shrub suppresses the apple tree, others refute this opinion, citing their own positive experience.

Important! The roots of the apple tree are located close to the surface and grow not in depth, but in breadth. The area they occupy can be 2–3 times larger than the projection of the tree crown.

From all that has been said, one fundamental conclusion follows: before planting certain plants in the shade of an apple tree, you need to clearly know how they will act on the tree, and how the tree will act on them, and the answers to these questions are far from obvious.

Moreover, when drawing up a planting scheme for a site, you need to remember that the crown (and the shadow cast by it) is just the above-ground part of the plant, while plants that “intersect” with each other also have a mutual influence on each other. underground.

In other words, apple tree allelopathy spreads over a much larger area than the shadow cast by the tree’s crown creates.

Video: Should you plant flowers or vegetables under trees?

Gardening tips

In such a sensitive issue as gardening, the advice of experienced professionals who have already experienced a lot of things and achieved the ideal result through trial and error is useful. There is a lot to learn from such people and you should never neglect their recommendations.

For centuries, European gardeners have increased the size of their gardens by growing fruits, vegetables, herbs and ornamentals in combinations that benefit each other. Dwarf fruit trees are grown in plantations surrounded by companion plants that control pests and help each other grow. These gardens are planned sequentially so that something is always ready to be harvested or just in bloom.

“Good” neighboring plants help control pests, attract beneficial pollinators, and allow plants to grow to their full potential. They can help retain moisture or discourage weeds, be used as living mulch that is later cut or dug, or spread around tree root zones to add nutrients. Some have long roots that reach deep into the soil and extract valuable minerals and nutrients. They benefit all the plants around them.

Apples are prone to insect and disease infestations, including apple maggots, green fruit worms and shellfish. Many gardeners who use pesticides believe that at least a one-time annual preventive spraying of the preparations is necessary for a high-quality harvest.

One idea to avoid pesticides is to choose disease-resistant varieties such as Prima and Liberty. They are resistant to apple scab, apple rust and other common diseases, while others require periodic spraying with poisons each spring and summer. It is worth consulting with experts to find pest prevention complexes for your region and culture.

Important! When applying pesticides, it is worth remembering the nearby plants. Not everyone will like this kind of care.

You can also try anti-insect oil (vegetable, flaxseed), which can be found in a grocery or cosmetic store. It is enough to water it near the roots in the spring, when the apple trees are in the awakening stage (after the leaves unfold from the fruiting cluster, but before the buds begin to produce pink shoots).

Other pests, such as scales, mites and aphids, although killed by birds unless a lot of sprayed poison was used, still need to be controlled by the gardener. For example, apple maggot can be simply caught by hanging one or two round softballs on branches in June through late summer, colored red, coated with a sticky consistency.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that good development, growth and fruiting cannot always be achieved, this is influenced by many factors, but everyone who cares about a beautiful and fruit-bearing garden should create comfortable conditions for the apple tree to the maximum.

Recommendations from experts.

If your garden is only a couple of years old, or you are just planning where and what trees to place, do not hesitate to contact professionals and amateur gardeners with extensive experience. These lovers know a lot, they came to certain conclusions through trial and error, their opinions and advice can be very useful to you.

Gardeners in Europe annually increase the productivity of their gardens precisely because of the favorable proximity of certain fruit trees and shrubs to various vegetables, herbs and flower crops. Plantations of dwarf varieties of fruit trees are surrounded by accompanying plants, which, thanks to their strong aroma or secreted phytoncides, protect them from harmful insects. Planning such plantations or gardens requires certain knowledge and a lot of effort, but the result is definitely worth it. Favorable neighbors attract beneficial insects and drive away parasites, they enrich the soil with useful substances, prevent the growth of weeds, contribute to additional loosening of the soil with their roots, some of them can be used as mulch - such plants will benefit not only the apple tree, but also all other crops.

Apple trees are often attacked by harmful insects and are susceptible to certain diseases, so most gardeners are inclined to carry out preventive treatment of trees at least once a year (or better yet, twice - in spring and autumn) by spraying the trees with chemicals. It is very important to choose the right time for this procedure so as not to damage the future harvest, consult with specialists and select a broad-spectrum drug, as well as follow all recommendations for the use of the drug (dosage, personal protective equipment). When spraying an apple tree, act carefully and do not forget about the plants located nearby - perhaps the prevention carried out will not be useful for everyone, so try to direct the solution only to the apple tree. If you are categorically against the use of chemicals, then at the stage of choosing a variety, be guided more by its resistance to the most common “apple tree” diseases (scab and fruit rust); in this case, varieties such as “Prima” and “Svoboda” will suit you.

Remember that in addition to chemicals, there are many folk recipes that can help you in pest control and in carrying out preventive measures.

For example, sunflower or any other vegetable oil sold in any store can be poured near the roots in the spring. In this case, it is very important to choose the right moment - the tree is already awakening, but the flower buds have not yet appeared. Installing sticky traps on the trunk of trees, or hanging sticky traps on the crown is also a very effective method of pest control. Renew the sticky layer in a timely manner and your trees will be safe. To summarize, I would like to note once again that the productivity of an apple tree is influenced by a very large number of factors. And if you plan to collect buckets of apples in the future, then spare no effort in caring for your garden, because the result depends entirely on your efforts.

How to plant plants correctly

When planting several different crops, you need to take into account factors such as their compatibility with each other and the apple tree, their effect on the soil and on each other, and the characteristics of the root system. Plants selected for symbiosis will heal the roots of the tree, affecting the soil and driving away pests, and the apple tree will create the partial shade they need.

How to make a trunk circle under an apple tree? For mutually favorable growth, plants are planted no closer than 20 cm to the tree trunk. There should not be much thickening of the tree trunk circle: otherwise you will have to step into the flowerbed to pick up fallen apples.

Under trees treated with various poisons, it is better to grow decorative deciduous or decorative flowering flowers and green manure. The soil under the tree trunk should be dug up using half a shovel. To ensure that the roots are injured as little as possible, it is preferable to use a pitchfork.

Plant mint under the apple tree

The apple tree is fertilized not in the center, but along the contour of the trunk circle. Bottles with a cut bottom are buried with the neck down, through which feeding is carried out. As the crown and roots grow, the bottles move and the holes are filled with earth.

Before planting vegetable crops, it is recommended to add soil and fertilize the soil with manure and humus. The plants will be located in loose soil, will not take moisture from the apple tree, and the harvest will be mutually good. Fertilizers should not touch the root collar to avoid damping off.

Note! Green plantings with a deep root system are not planted in the tree trunk circle, because they take nutrients, substances, moisture and oxygen from the apple tree. The flowerbed under the apple tree is not watered too often

Excessive moisture can cause secondary growth of shoots on the tree, and this will have a bad effect on the wintering of the plant.

The flowerbed under the apple tree is not watered too often. Excessive moisture can cause secondary growth of shoots on the tree, and this will have a bad effect on the wintering of the plant.

Reasons for incompatibility

When planting a garden, it is important not only to prepare fertile soil, but also to plan the location of crops on the site. There are a number of factors that lead to incompatibility of plants, and as a result they begin to inhibit each other’s vital functions:

the roots of neighboring crops are in the same soil horizon, absorbing nutrients and water;
the soil becomes depleted because nearby plants need the same compounds;
disruption of development and fruiting due to the release of toxic substances by a neighboring tree (a phenomenon called allelopathy);
shading of low-growing shrubs by trees, as a result of which the latter do not receive enough light;
similar diseases and parasites.

Caring for an apricot tree in spring at the dacha, pruning and fertilizing

Even crops of the same species can fight among themselves for light, nutrients, and moisture. The strongest and fittest survive. To avoid this, when planting a garden, it is important to take into account the needs of each variety and provide them as much as possible.

A distance of at least 3 m is left between fruit trees. A distance of up to 7 m is maintained between “competitors”. Columnar plants are more modest, 2.5 m is enough for them. If there is a planting or forest near the site, it is necessary that the distance to the trees be maintained at least 10 m.

Some berry bushes also require spatial isolation, for example, rose hips, sea buckthorn, hawthorn, and viburnum. Among the ornamental plants, jasmine and lilac are included in this list. Cultures grow greatly and oppress their closest neighbors.

5 best ways to graft fruit trees to guarantee an excellent harvest

Important: Compatibility of trees and shrubs on the site

Flowering time

Each species can only pollinate neighboring ones of the same species: apple trees will pollinate only other apple trees, pears only pears, etc. For pollination of apple trees of the same type, as a rule, there is no difference between, for example, Crab, Cider, they can cross-pollinate each other.

For most fruit varieties, pollination is carried out by insects, most often bees. Since the process occurs in early spring, good weather, which will stimulate honey plants, becomes an important factor.

Important! Flowers need favorable weather to be pollinated, so the risk of late frosts, which can damage the flowers, is sometimes a concern for gardeners. Frosts after pollination can also damage the first fruit formations.

Pollen formation in apple trees occurs with maximum intensity at temperatures in the range of 15-20°C. In colder conditions, pollination will require more insects or planting winter-hardy varieties that produce pollen at low temperatures.

For your information! Despite the cold weather, if pollen has managed to form, only 1-2 warm days during the flowering period are enough for pollination.

Yablonya from:

Potato. A young seedling cannot boast of a powerful rhizome - this is a contraindication to being adjacent to potatoes. A vegetable that consumes a significant amount of nutrition from the soil can, under conditions of moderate watering or lack of fertilizing, lead to dire consequences for the fruit tree.
Fir. This tree is capable of releasing substances that affect soil acidification. If you plan to plant an apple tree instead of a fir, you will have to wait for a three-year quarantine - the acidification effect lasts for a long time.
Peach, cherry, pear. Don’t even think about planting these fruit and berry plants next to an apple tree. This company cannot be called pleasant - the trees grow quickly and actively take nutrients from the soil. As a result, “hungry” times will begin for the apple tree growing in the immediate vicinity. For cherries, there is a high risk of being left without rhizomes at all. The second thing they will do is exchange diseases. Finally, the peach can also suffer. The voluminous lush crowns of the neighbors will block the sun for him. He, exhausted by the lack of sun, can begin to grow in the opposite direction from them. For an apple tree, not only full-fledged trees are dangerous, but also root shoots.
Cherries. Another unenviable neighborhood. The rhizome of this tree is so active that it may well force the root system of its neighbor to go in search of food into deeper soil layers. The apple tree will begin to suffer from thirst and lack of nutrition.
Kalina. For viburnum to feel good, it needs proper watering - a lack of moisture is detrimental to it. In an effort to correct the situation, the plant will begin to take all the liquid that is in the soil. Remember also that this plant attracts aphids like a magnet, whose presence is unlikely to please the owner of the plot - not the most pleasant neighborhood.
Rowan, hawthorn. Placed in close proximity, they will become a host of pests and diseases - common to them.

Conditions for growing apple trees

Growing fruit trees in your garden can be a very interesting and challenging hobby. There are a few things you need to know to increase your chances of success and make your planting more productive.

Each type of fruit tree has its own climatic restrictions. Many varieties of peaches, cherries and plums will grow better in warmer areas. When they are grown outside their climatic range (minimum air temperatures in winter drop below −25°C), and early spring frosts kill the flowers, then harvesting is out of the question.

Apple and pear trees can be successfully grown in regions where the minimum temperature does not drop below −30°C. Even though apples and pears bloom about 2 weeks later than in the south, unpredictable spring frost can ruin the blooms. To determine whether a variety will bear fruit in the chosen area, you need to consult with the sellers from whom the gardener plans to buy seedlings, or local gardeners.

Apple tree garden

Currently, there are more than 30 species and about 10 thousand varieties of apple trees. But, unfortunately, only 12 species can grow in Russia, of which 9 are wild and only 3 are cultivated. But this does not mean that southern varieties of apples cannot be grown in the middle zone. It all depends on the gardener’s diligence and his love for his work.

Soil fertility plays a key role in growing apple trees. Before planting, you should check the soil of the area where the apple tree will grow, including a pH test.

How to Test Soil pH

First you need to dig a small hole in the soil. A spatula or shovel can help with this. The hole should be 5.1-10.2 cm deep. You need to break up the hard soil inside the hole and remove the roots.

Next, fill the hole with water. To do this, you can use distilled water (under no circumstances should you take it from a well). This water can be found at any pharmacy or auto store. Rainwater is slightly acidic, while bottled or tap water tends to be more alkaline. The result should be a dirty “pool” in the hole.

Soil pH Meter

After this, you need to insert a test probe into the dirt. But before that, you should make sure that the tester is absolutely clean. It is best to wipe it with a clean cloth and only then insert it into the dirt. It should be there for 1 minute. The hydrogen index is measured in the range of 1-14. It is recommended to take several measurements to ensure more accurate results.

If the pH where you plan to plant the tree is 6.0-7.0, then the soil is in “good shape” - this is the most favorable indicator for the apple tree. You should try to avoid soils that are heavy or depleted.

With vegetables

If you do not plan to treat the apple tree with potent pesticides during the season, you can arrange a vegetable bed in the tree trunk circle. Radishes, spinach, leaf mustard, Chinese cabbage, dill, lettuce, physalis, and some cucumber hybrids (Arina, Arbenta, Podmoskovnye Vechera, Senator, September) will give a good harvest in partial shade. Peas grow well next to young apple trees, simultaneously enriching the soil with nitrogen. With regular watering, the listed vegetables and greens under the tree turn out to be very juicy and tender.

However, some crops, on the contrary, can worsen the quality of fruits: next to potatoes, apples become loose and tasteless, proximity to carrots gives them bitterness (at the same time, the root vegetables themselves are also noticeably bitter).

Benefits of a good neighborhood

The compatibility of trees and bushes directly affects not only the amount of the future harvest, but also the development of the garden.

The proximity of some promotes better growth and protects against diseases and pests, while the proximity of others has the completely opposite effect - growth is inhibited, trees begin to get sick and may die.

General landing rules:

Apple trees get along with almost all fruit trees, but distance must be maintained.
It is better not to plant walnuts where other crops are planned to be grown. Its leaves are poisonous and simply poison the soil and everything around.
Not a single fruit crop gets along with spruce either.
You cannot plant oaks, birches, lindens or poplars in the garden. The large root system requires a lot of nutrients, and the spreading crown provides shade.

Cherry is not the friendliest plant. More details about which crops and why this tree can or cannot be planted will be written later.

Pear + barberry, juniper, stone fruits and beech

1 – beech; 2 – hawthorn; 3 – cherry; 4 – juniper

As for the pear, just like the apple tree, it does not tolerate proximity to cherries, peaches and other stone fruits. Barberry suffers from similar diseases and pests. If we talk about ornamental crops, beech is especially dangerous for pears. Its powerful root system interferes with the development of the roots of the fruit tree, and the massive above-ground part needs a large amount of nutrients, which the beech “takes” from neighboring plants. Juniper is dangerous due to its tendency to rust.

Don’t forget about allelopathy: pear root secretions are toxic and can cause a lot of problems for cherries growing near them.

It is not recommended to plant rowan near an apple tree, but it goes well with a pear tree.

Can be planted

Let's consider which plants in the vicinity will not harm the apple tree, and which can be planted nearby. Among the trees, apple trees tolerate the proximity of cherries, plums, and pears well. You can plant other varieties of apple trees nearby. But still, a distance must be maintained between fruit trees so that they do not interfere with each other or shade weaker and younger seedlings. Therefore, gardeners prefer not to plant other trees next to the apple tree, but to plant the space under the crowns with grass, garden crops, and flowers. Why do you need to plant these plants around the trunk?

They improve the soil around the apple tree.
Remove excess salts from the soil.
Helps retain moisture.
Protects roots from damage.
A green lawn makes the garden more attractive.

Herbs and flowers

What herbs and flowers are recommended to be planted under an apple tree? Not all flowers can live in the shade of a tree, much less delight with their inflorescences

Therefore, it is important to make the right choice

White clover is unpretentious and easy to care for

White clover. This is an unpretentious plant that is easy to care for. In addition, clover is an excellent honey plant and will attract bees to the garden, which are needed for pollination.
Bentgrass shoots. This is a grass that will create a luxurious green carpet under a tree. Plant this grass once, and it will delight you with its appearance every year.
Mint. It tolerates partial shade. And fresh tea with mint leaves is fragrant and tasty, what could be better?
Celandine. It protects the apple tree from aphids and ants.
Dandelions. Not everyone likes this weed in their garden, but its roots produce ethylene, which speeds up the ripening of the fruit.
Lupine. The apple tree grows well next to it. Even if you mulch the ground around the tree with green lupine mass, its growth will accelerate.
Nasturtium. She has an attractive appearance. In addition, it retains moisture, so your seedling will feel great, even if the summer is hot. The smell of these flowers repels a number of pests, so chemicals will not be needed.

Or plant marigolds, crocuses, tulips, and daffodils. They will not bring much benefit, but they will decorate your garden.

Garden crops

Those who save space can be advised to plant garden crops under the apple tree. But do not make dense plantings, otherwise they will draw nutrients from the soil. You cannot plant potatoes under it, because it has a bad effect on it.

Some gardeners make a bed with manure under a tree and plant zucchini, squash, and pumpkin on it. Their roots are located in the garden bed and do not penetrate deep into the soil, so the apple tree does not suffer. Growing up, the plants twine around its crown. Or they make beds of onions, dill, and parsley. They are not so demanding on lighting and produce a harvest.

Garlic, beans and peas also feel good under apple trees. But many gardeners believe that it is not worth planting vegetable crops under apple trees, but that it is better to make a beautiful lawn and plant it with grass.

Undesirable and favorable proximity of the apple tree to other crops.

Not only the health and productivity of the apple tree, but also the condition of those same neighbors will depend on how correctly you select the “neighbors” for the apple tree. It is important that crops have the same requirements for growing conditions in terms of lighting (the more light, the better), quantity and quality of nutrients, and soil composition (soil mixed with peat or light loam). You also need to take into account such a concept as “alelopathy” - this is the ability of a plant to produce a substance that negatively affects the growth of its “neighbors”, inhibiting it, and sometimes stopping it altogether. For example, apple trees and pears can easily exist in close proximity to each other; these are related crops, and their resistance to diseases and pests is approximately the same. But it is better to place the cherry tree away from the apple tree, since close proximity will be unfavorable specifically for the cherry tree.

In addition, scientists have proven the impossibility of close proximity between apple trees and peach trees, since the roots of the peach, as they grow, can penetrate into the habitat of the roots of the apple tree and this often leads to the death of the tree. In addition to cherries and peach, you should avoid the proximity of the apple tree to any coniferous plants (juniper, fir, thuja), poplars and chestnuts, jasmine and roses, elderberry and cherry plum, lilac, rowan and apricot. Gooseberries or currants growing close to an apple tree will either not bear fruit themselves, or will produce a harvest at the expense of the apple tree's harvest. If, nevertheless, circumstances develop in such a way that it is impossible to place any of these plants at the other end of the site, then maintain a distance of about ten meters from the apple tree to the unwanted “neighbor”. The only exception here will be the hazel tree; it will definitely need to be planted at the other end of the plot, otherwise you won’t get an apple harvest.

But the apple tree also has plenty of favorable neighbors, for example, plum, cherry and honeysuckle - the main thing is not to place them too close so that as the crowns grow, the trees have enough space. In close proximity to raspberries, the apple tree becomes more resistant to various harmful insects. Raspberry roots make the soil looser, which undoubtedly benefits the apple tree. But since raspberries love light, this is a temporary relationship that lasts until the apple tree grows. In addition, quince, maple, wormwood and garlic can grow nearby. In the shade of an adult tree, a hosta will feel great, as it does not require much light and will not spoil the life of the apple tree. Mint, which also grows well in partial shade, as well as white clover, which is not only green manure (will enrich the soil with nitrogen), but also a good honey plant, which means the number of bees around the apple tree will increase.

It turns out that the apple tree has many more unwanted “neighbors” than “friendly” ones, but even taking this into account, it is possible to place the plants on the site so that everyone is comfortable.