Weighing between different needs
Of course, an apple tree is easier to reach with regular tree pruning or when harvesting apples if there is only meadow or soil immediately around the trunk. Especially with specimens that have been refined as a high trunk on a base, it can be optically more beautiful if there is a vegetation with other plants around the trunk. However, care should be taken to ensure that the plants are not heavily draining and that remove too many nutrients and too much water in the area of the tree grate. Perennial perennials with a pruning in autumn are also suitable for this purpose, because then fallen fruits around the trunk can be removed more easily as a protection against fungal attack.
also read
- Properly water the apple tree in the garden
- Removing an apple tree from the garden
- Tie an apple tree properly
Grading from low to high
Basically, there are not many limits to the imagination when it comes to underplanting. However, most apple varieties develop rather shallow roots, which is why no very deep-rooted perennials should be planted directly in the area of the tree disc. If you want to put a towering rambler rose on the apple trunk, this should be planted in the ground area at least half a meter from the trunk. Otherwise, it also protects against damage to the fine hair roots of the apple tree if a layer of loose humus or compost is first applied to the tree disc. Many flowering perennials do not have very deep roots, but still increase the water requirement in that area of the garden. You should take this into account when watering the apple tree in summer.
Suitable varieties for underplanting the apple tree
Berry bushes such as currants are known for their specific smell to keep voles and other rodents away from apple tree roots as pests. The following flowers are rather undemanding and sow well even under shady tree tops:
- Marigold
- Columbine
- Nasturtiums
In addition, plants such as nasturtiums and rhubarb have the advantage that, as so-called live mulch, they regularly ensure that parts of the plant can rot directly around the tree trunk. This saves you from having to bring in compost for fertilization.
Tips & Tricks
Despite the underplanting, look specifically for rotten fruit around the tree trunk. Only the removal of these from the perennials of the underplanting ensures the tree vitality by preventing powdery mildew and other diseases.
Pillar apple 'Braeburn' 14.67 EUR Buy at baldur Fertilizer variety Apple 'Gala' 12.7 EUR Buy at baldur Pillar apple 'Golden Delicious' 15.65 EUR Buy at baldur
