[ClaireOnTheSofa]

Hi! We've just got an allotment, which is as we expected - completely overgrown. We're trying to clear most of it without resorting to weedkiller, but there is a small area at the back that we aren't planning to grow veg in and is full of waisthigh grass.

However, there are three fruit trees there as well (plum, apple & unidentified) so does anyone have any advice as to whether we can use weedkiller to rid the area of the grass?

Very grateful for advice on this (and any general fruit tree care) that a more experienced gardener can share with us, apologies if this is a repeat of an old topic that I'm being too daft to find.

[fatcat1955]

Use a weedkiller based on Glysophate. It becomes safe on contact with the soil. Wait for a day when you know rain is not forecast and use a watering can  rather than a spray. As regards to the tree's you should prune them in the following manner.
1 cut out any dieseased or dead wood
2 cut out any branches that cross another branch.
3 open up the middle to allow light and air in.
The finished product should resemble a wine glass.
This is only a general description and other's will be along shortly to add their thought's.

[Aunt Sally]

You can use weed killer there if you want to.  It won't affect the trees.

[Yorkie]

I'd be minded to strim the grass down a bit before trying to apply weedkiller - but if you do this, be very very careful not to let the strimmer line touch the trees at all.  If this happens, you run the risk of ringbarking the tree - which will kill it.

[ClaireOnTheSofa]

Thank you all, that's really useful. We've been debating between strimmer / shears / weedkiller combos so I think we will try and cut it down as much by hand as possible and then put down some weedkiller. I don't trust the boyfriend not to accidentally catch a tree with a strimmer!

The apple tree is really bowed over (its very small, only about 5ft if that) - is it best to cut it right back or try and tie it to a stake to encourage it grow upright?

Thanks again!

[Yorkie]

You need to add the weedkiller to actively growing leaves.  So, cut down then let a bit of grass regrow, then weedkill.