[Ice]

I want to plant some fruit trees in a small area of lawn, while keeping  the grass.  I've heard that the grass competes with the tree for nutrients.  Is this true?  If so, how can I give the trees a good start to overcome this?

Also, oh wise ones,   If my trees are dwarf rootstock, how far apart should they be?

[WG.]

Grass competes severely with tree - moisture and nutrients.  Close-mown grass is worst of all so cut a bed of at least 30 inch diameter for each tree.

Dunno about spacing (guess maybe 8-10ft) but remember you've got to mow between them too.

[Ice]

Thanks WG.  Will cut away grass for a 30" diameter around trees.  Should I dump a load of manure in the hole?

[Annie]

I`ve only got established apple trees and  there is grass right to the base of the tree now so i am not sure how long you need to keep the base clear for.

[Ice]

Hi Annie.  I planted an apple tree in my lawn when I moved here two years ago and it has not done well at all.  It's definately still struggling.

[Annie]

Then it wil be keep the base clear and feed for now but when it does get going...

[WG.]

Thanks WG.  Will cut away grass for a 30" diameter around trees.  Should I dump a load of manure in the hole?

I'm really not an expert on fruit but I did see some pictures on establishing trees in forestry conditions & that's how I knew about grass.   Some others may weigh in with better advice but manure might be a bit rich for a tree - lime (if needed), compost and bone meal maybe.

[Ice]

Cheers and goodnight.

[WG.]

Found this for ya : http://www.rain.org/~sals/apple.html

Goodnight

[Ice]

Thanks WG.

[muntjac]

the orchard  over here has near 60 trees in it with pears eating apples and plums etc and i cznt tell ya this they do fantastic every year and al we do is strim the grass from around the trunk itself and replace the grease bandage ... thechickens feed in thier and we have it mowed by lambs in summer