What Not to Plant Near Apple Trees: A Guide to Avoiding Pests and Disease

What Not to Plant Near Apple Trees

Apple trees are a popular choice for home gardens, and for good reason. They’re relatively easy to grow, produce delicious fruit, and can add beauty to any landscape. However, there are a few things you should avoid planting near your apple trees.

In this article, we’ll discuss what not to plant near apple trees, and why. We’ll also provide some tips on how to create a successful apple tree garden.

So if you’re thinking about planting apple trees in your yard, be sure to read on!

Plant	Reason	Alternatives
Black walnut trees	Produce a toxin that inhibits the growth of apple trees	Pecan trees, hickory trees, walnut trees
Grapes	Attract pests that can also damage apple trees	Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
Tomatoes	Can harbor diseases that can spread to apple trees	Peppers, eggplant, squash

Apple trees are a popular fruit tree to grow in home gardens. They are relatively easy to care for and produce delicious fruit. However, there are some plants that should not be planted near apple trees, as they can compete for resources, attract pests, or spread diseases.

Plants That Compete with Apple Trees

Some plants compete with apple trees for water, nutrients, and sunlight. This can stunt the growth of the apple tree and reduce the yield of fruit.

• Trees: Elm, maple, pine, spruce, fir, oak, ash, willow, poplar
• Bushes: Euonymus, barberry, privet, honeysuckle, ivy, blackberry, raspberry
• Groundcovers: Vinca, ivy, creeping charlie, mint, horseradish
• Herbs: Dill, fennel, chamomile, mint, rosemary

Plants That Attract Pests to Apple Trees

Some plants attract pests that can damage apple trees. These pests include insects, birds, and rodents.

• Insects: Aphids, borers, caterpillars, mites, scale, whiteflies
• Birds: Grackles, blackbirds, robins, cedar waxwings, starlings
• Rodents: Squirrels, chipmunks, mice, rats

By avoiding planting these plants near your apple trees, you can help to ensure that your trees are healthy and productive.

Additional Tips

In addition to avoiding planting the plants listed above near your apple trees, there are a few other things you can do to help keep your trees healthy and pest-free.

• Prune your apple trees regularly to remove dead or diseased branches. This will help to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
• Water your apple trees deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. This will help to keep the roots healthy and strong.
• Fertilize your apple trees according to the directions on the fertilizer label. This will help to provide the trees with the nutrients they need to grow and produce fruit.
• Monitor your apple trees for signs of pests and diseases. If you see any problems, treat them promptly according to the directions on the product label.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your apple trees healthy and productive for many years to come.

Plants That Can Cause Disease in Apple Trees

There are a number of plants that can cause disease in apple trees. These plants can spread diseases through the air, through contact with the soil, or through contact with the apple tree itself.

Rust

Cedar-apple rust is a fungal disease that can infect apple trees and cedar trees. The fungus overwinters on cedar trees and is spread to apple trees by the wind. The disease causes orange, rust-colored spots on the leaves of apple trees. These spots can eventually kill the leaves and reduce the tree’s ability to produce fruit.

Apple scab is another fungal disease that can infect apple trees. The fungus overwinters on fallen leaves and is spread to apple trees by the wind. The disease causes brown, scab-like spots on the leaves of apple trees. These spots can eventually kill the leaves and reduce the tree’s ability to produce fruit.

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can infect apple trees. The fungus overwinters on apple trees and is spread by the wind. The disease causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves of apple trees. This growth can eventually kill the leaves and reduce the tree’s ability to produce fruit.

Fire blight is a bacterial disease that can infect apple trees. The bacteria overwinters in cankers on apple trees and is spread by insects. The disease causes wilting, blackened leaves, and dead branches on apple trees. In severe cases, fire blight can kill an apple tree.

Viruses

Apple mosaic virus, apple chlorotic leaf spot virus, and apple stem grooving virus are all viruses that can infect apple trees. These viruses are spread by insects, aphids, and leafhoppers. The viruses cause a variety of symptoms in apple trees, including yellow or green leaves, stunted growth, and leaf spots. In severe cases, these viruses can kill an apple tree.

Bacteria

Crown gall is a bacterial disease that can infect apple trees. The bacteria overwinters in the soil and is spread by root contact. The disease causes tumors on the roots of apple trees. These tumors can eventually kill the tree.

Fire blight is a bacterial disease that can infect apple trees. The bacteria overwinters in cankers on apple trees and is spread by insects. The disease causes wilting, blackened leaves, and dead branches on apple trees. In severe cases, fire blight can kill an apple tree.

Plants That Can Damage Apple Trees

In addition to plants that can cause disease in apple trees, there are also plants that can damage apple trees. These plants can compete with apple trees for water, nutrients, and sunlight, or they can shade apple trees and prevent them from getting enough sunlight.

Root competition

Trees, shrubs, and groundcovers that have deep roots can compete with apple trees for water and nutrients. This can stunt the growth of apple trees and reduce their ability to produce fruit.

Shade

Trees, shrubs, and buildings that cast shade on apple trees can prevent them from getting enough sunlight. This can also stunt the growth of apple trees and reduce their ability to produce fruit.

Pruning injuries

Damage to the trunk or branches of apple trees can also damage apple trees. This damage can allow pests and diseases to enter the tree, and it can also make the tree more susceptible to wind damage.

When choosing plants to grow near apple trees, it is important to avoid plants that can cause disease or damage to the trees. Some plants to avoid include cedar trees, crabapple trees, hawthorn trees, and wild roses. It is also important to avoid planting plants that will compete with apple trees for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Finally, it is important to avoid pruning apple trees in a way that could damage the trees. By following these tips, you can help to protect your apple trees from disease and damage.

What Not To Plant Near Apple Trees?

• Q: Should I plant tomatoes near apple trees?

A: No, you should not plant tomatoes near apple trees. Tomatoes are susceptible to the same pests and diseases as apple trees, and planting them close together can increase the risk of cross-contamination. Additionally, tomatoes require more sunlight and water than apple trees, so planting them together can compete for resources.

• Q: What other plants should I avoid planting near apple trees?

A: Other plants that you should avoid planting near apple trees include:

• Peaches
• Pears
• Plums
• Cherries
• Apricots
• Nectarines
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Grapes
• Strawberries
• Currants
• Gooseberries

• Why should I avoid planting these plants near apple trees?

A: These plants are all susceptible to the same pests and diseases as apple trees, and planting them close together can increase the risk of cross-contamination. Additionally, these plants can compete with apple trees for resources, such as sunlight, water, and nutrients.

• What should I plant near apple trees?

A: There are a number of plants that you can plant near apple trees that will not compete for resources and will help to deter pests. These plants include:

• Lavender
• Sage
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Mint
• Chamomile
• Yarrow
• Calendula
• Marigolds
• Sunflowers
• Zinnias

• How far away should I plant these plants from my apple trees?

A: You should plant these plants at least 10 feet away from your apple trees. This will help to create a buffer zone between the two plants and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

• What if I already have these plants planted near my apple trees?

If you already have these plants planted near your apple trees, you can either remove them or take steps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. These steps include:

• Pruning the plants to create a wider space between them and the apple trees.
• Watering the plants separately so that they do not compete for water.
• Applying pesticides and fungicides to the plants only when necessary.
• Monitoring the plants for signs of pests and diseases and treating them promptly if necessary.

  there are a number of plants that should not be planted near apple trees. These plants include:

• Grapevines – Grapevines compete with apple trees for water and nutrients, and their roots can damage the apple tree’s root system.
• Rhubarb – Rhubarb produces a chemical that can inhibit the growth of apple trees.
• Nightshade – Nightshade can be toxic to apple trees.
• Cucumbers – Cucumbers can spread a bacterial disease that can damage apple trees.
• Tomatoes – Tomatoes can spread a fungal disease that can damage apple trees.
• Potatoes – Potatoes can spread a fungal disease that can damage apple trees.

By avoiding planting these plants near apple trees, you can help to ensure the health and productivity of your apple trees.