7 Plants You Should Never Grow Next to Fruit Trees, According to Gardening Experts
While it can take a few years for a young fruit tree to mature and produce fruit, providing the right growing environment can help expedite the process. Adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, fertilizer, and the proper temperature are all essential, but don’t overlook the importance of companion planting.
The process of growing complementary plants next to one another for mutual gain, companion planting helps encourage a thriving garden. Plants that prevent pests, welcome pollinators, and suppress weeds can be great companions for fruit trees, but there are also some plants to avoid.
To help you grow a thriving, fruit-producing tree, we spoke to gardening experts who shared varieties you should never grow next to fruit trees. When planted close together, these species may attract pests, spread disease, or compete with your fruit trees for essential nutrients.
- Adrienne Roethling, head gardener for a private estate and former curator of Juniper Level Botanic Gardens at Plant Delights Nursery
- Damon Abdi of the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University’s AgCenter
Juniper Trees
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Avoid placing junipers (Juniperus) near fruit trees, as they play host to cedar apple rust. The apple rust forms on the tree and if left to fully mature, spores are released in the air. “The spores will land on nearby fruit trees. The spores then attack, causing orange spots all over the fruit and making it very unappealing,” says gardening expert Adrienne Roethling. The spores will also land on the leaves. If the infected fall and overwinter on the ground, this issue will occur again the following season.
Gardenias
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Gardenias (Gardenia spp.) are beautiful, fragrant flowers that are a staple in the garden. That said, if you already have a fruit tree growing in your garden, it’s best to skip planting gardenias. “Some fruits will get missed during harvest. When fruits rots, they give off ethanol,” says Roethling. “Gardenia blossoms are super sensitive to ethanol and the flowers will immediately turn brown and fall off.”
Walnut Trees
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Walnut trees (Juglans regia) aren’t commonly planted by home gardeners—for good reason. “The plants will get very large, which means the roots will widely spread,” says Roethling. “Walnut fruits are large, hard, and become a nuisance during clean-up. Most parts of the walnut tree release toxins, which are toxic to fruit bearing trees, especially apples.”
Mint
Mint (Mentha spp.) is a highly invasive herb to grow, which is why it’s best grown in containers rather than in the ground. “Avoid placing mint in the ground as the roots form a thick mass that could crowd the roots of fruit trees,” says Roethling. “If left alone, mint will be hard to control and remove later.”
Root Crops
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Do not plant root crops such as potatoes, carrots, and beets near fruit trees. Larger root crops can crowd out the roots of fruit trees, as well as disturb the soil. Too much soil disturbance inhibits the growth and maturity of fruit trees, specifically apple or cherry trees, says Roethling.
Ornamental Grasses
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Many ornamental grasses are deep rooted, which can increase competition for water and nutrients. “Ornamental grasses provide ample, attractive foliage at a greater height than turf grasses and can support a wide range of insects and animals,” says Damon Abdi of the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University’s AgCenter. “However, this can be a detriment if too many small critters are crawling around—they may get to your crop before you have the chance to harvest.”
Turf Grasses
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Turf grass can compete with fruit trees for water and nutrients if grown right up to the trunk. “Keep a clean, mulched area below fruit trees. An organic mulch (i.e. wood chips, straw, etc.) can suppress weeds, maintain soil moisture and temperature, and contribute organic matter as it breaks down,” says Abdi. “When mulching around fruit trees (or any tree), make sure that mulch is not piled up against the trunk or else disease issues arise and plant health suffers.”
