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Ideal compatibility of fruit trees: what to plant next to each other
03.11.2024 03:20
Compatibility of fruit trees is an important aspect of garden planning, which affects not only the yield, but also the health of the trees.
Incorrectly selected neighbors can influence each other's growth, exchange diseases, or even hinder full development.
Therefore, if you want to get a good harvest and maintain the health of your garden, it is worth studying which fruit crops can grow together.
Important information was shared by the expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", scientist-agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh.
What trees can be planted nearby
The main rule for successful compatibility of fruit trees is the similarity of requirements for soil and climatic conditions.
For example, apple trees get along well next to pears, plums and cherries.
Their roots do not suppress each other, and similar nutrient requirements allow for a stable harvest.
An apple tree can be planted next to a rowan tree, as they do not interfere with the development of each other’s root systems.
Plums feel good next to cherries and apricots. It is worth considering that some crops have a strong root system, and they can take away nutrients from their neighbors. For example, it is better to plant apricots in a separate part of the garden, since they greatly oppress neighboring trees.
Impact on pollination and crop yield
Another aspect of compatibility is cross-pollination. Some trees produce better crops if pollinator varieties are planted next to them. This is especially important for apple and pear trees.
For example, if you have an apple tree of one variety in your garden, you can add another tree of another variety to it to get more fruit.
Cherries and plums also give the best results when there are pollinating neighbors. Combinations of cherries and plums, pears and apples have proven themselves well.
Pollinators not only increase yields, but also ensure better quality fruits, as the likelihood of producing full-fledged seeds increases.
Conflict trees: who is not friends with whom
Not all trees can be safely planted next to each other. For example, an apple tree and a walnut tree are bad neighbors.
The nut releases substances that inhibit the growth of the apple tree, so even with the correct agricultural technology it will produce a weak harvest.
Cherry does not tolerate proximity to other trees because of its powerful root system. It is better to allocate a separate place for it so that it can grow and receive enough nutrition.
Peaches and plums should not be planted next to apple trees because the trees have different water and nutrient requirements, which can result in stunted growth and reduced yields.
Garden planning and correct spacing
When planning a garden, it is worth considering not only the compatibility of trees, but also the distance between them. Even with a successful selection of neighbors, it is important not to forget that each tree needs space to grow fully.
If the trees are too close, their root systems will begin to intertwine and compete for water and nutrients. It is recommended to maintain a distance of 3-5 meters between trees of the same species and about 5-7 meters between trees of different species.
The exception is small varieties of dwarf and semi-dwarf trees - they can be planted at a smaller distance, which allows you to save space and increase the planting density.
Selecting good neighbors and maintaining the distance between plantings will help avoid problems with plant growth and development, as well as improve yields.
A coordinated combination of trees will not only create beautiful landscapes, but will also allow you to enjoy a stable harvest from year to year.
