[AlaninCarlisle]

I have quite a number of apple trees I planted 35 years ago when we moved into this house. There are two Cox's Orange Pippins that are very hit and miss croppers. It may be pure coincidence or it may be an explanation but both have very prolific rhubarb plants quite close to their trunks. The rhubarb plants get copious amounts of horse muck on them each winter. Could they be the cause of the poor cropping? (The Egremont Russet and Golden Delicious trees close to them have no under-planting and every year give us bumper crops)

[Christine]

I'm over the border but almost parallel to you Alan and was told when I planted fruit trees that we were a bit far north for Cox's Pippins. Was told that Kidds Red Orange was more suitable for northern climbs and it certainly is prolific.

[AlaninCarlisle]

The question remains however as to whether or not other crops such as rhubarb close to an apple tree can adversely affect the tree's cropping?

[Christine]

Yep. So I was told on planting.