Planting trees alongside one another, also known as companion planting, promotes a healthy environment for your trees and offers benefits such as pest prevention and increased fruit production. Not to mention, some fruits need cross-pollinators to produce fruits. However, not all fruit trees work well together. Let’s dig deeper into what fruit trees should not be planted together. If you’d like assistance, then request the most trusted tree service in Louisville, KY.
Why Are Some Fruit Trees Incompatible?
While you can grow most fruit trees in close proximity, some fruit trees shouldn’t be planted together for various reasons. Some fruit trees may compete for water and nutrients, resulting in stress, overall poor health, and even death. Other fruit trees just don’t get along together and will attract harmful insects or fight for dominance. Moreover, certain fruit trees don’t fair well with root crops, herbs, and flowers.
In regard to competing plants, experts recommend a specific radius clearance within which you should not grow certain types of fruit trees.
Fruit Trees To Avoid Growing Together
So, what fruit trees should not be planted together? Some incompatible fruit trees to keep in mind before planting include:
- Apples or apricots with walnuts and peppers
- Cherries, blueberries, grapes, melons, or corn with eggplants or tomatoes
- Pears, nectarines, or blackberries with raspberries
- Raspberries or plums with peaches
Best Companion Plants
The best plant companions depend on factors such as the type of fruit tree and climatic conditions. Citrus fruits like peach will pair well with fruits like guava, blueberries and blackberries, mimosa, and chaya. You can also combine the prickly pear, banana yucca, mesquite, turpentine bush, and saltbush. Plums enjoy the company of strawberries and apricots, and planting them together increases the chances of cross-pollination. Additional compatible pairs include grapes with peaches and blackberries.
Planting Flowers Around Fruit Trees
Besides planting fruit trees together, you can enhance and diversify your landscape by planting flowers. Popular flower varieties include dandelion, bergamot, chives, and comfrey. These flowers add color and emit a fresh aroma to attract cross-pollinators.
However, remember to keep an eye out for aggressive root systems that may harm your fruit trees or compromise your foundation. This way, you can protect your plants from potential damage.
Bottom Line
Before you decide to plant fruit trees, assess their compatibility with each other. Consider seeking professional help from a certified arborist. Your local arborist will have in-depth knowledge of the fruit trees to plant together as well as those that should be kept separate.
Contact Your Trusted Local Tree Experts
Get the high-quality tree care services you deserve at New Leaf Tree Service. Our ISA-certified arborists have a passion for trees and offer several tree care services, including:
- Tree trimming and pruning
- Tree removal
- Stump grinding
- Tree and plant healthcare
Reach us at (502) 419-9899 for more information on what fruit trees should not be planted together or learn about the risks of planting big trees. Talk to us today.