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Flower Perennials Under Fruit Trees #753715
Asked June 03, 2021, 10:59 AM EDT
Crow Wing County Minnesota
Expert Response
I would not recommend planting flowers under fruit trees because they will compete with the tree for nutrients and water. And during tree flowering they may distract bees from the main attraction— fruit blossoms if they are flowering at the same time.
Also most all fruit tree pests fly so it won’t make any difference. They will still get to the fruit!
I can find no reputable research from a university that recommends planting anything under fruit trees. Most recommend the opposite—mulching because even grass can lower nutrients and water available to the tree. For example, see: https://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/failtobear.html
You are welcome!