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Tree guilds

See also: gardens, permaculture

A (fruit) tree guild aims to avoid simple planting a fruit tree by itself. Instead, the intent is to create an small ecosystem around the individual tree by planting mutually beneficial species around the tree. A guild consists of plants chosen from multiple layers. Linking multiple tree guilds together creates a food forest.

Effectively designed a tree guild will reduce cost and labour, increase yield and improve the health of the plants. A significant design consideration is the context. Observing the site and what grows well/is required should inform design.

Design considerations

  • pathways for required access to all elements of the tree guild;

    e.g. you will perform different actions on different plants (picking from the fruit tree, removing foliage from chop and drop plants etc) in the guild.

  • Reduce grass competition

    Use cardboard initially. Mulches. Plan spring flowering bulbs in a ring around the trunk.

  • Identify insect attractors that flower at the same time as the tree.

    At the outer drop line or a nearby tree.

Plant layers/purpose#

Layer/Purpose Examples
Central element Fruit or nut tree
Attract beneficial insects and pollinators Dill, fennel, parsley, fennel, dill, lavender, bee balm
Deter wildlife Nasturtium, marigold
Fertilize/nutrient accumulators Deep roots bringing nutrients up. Dandelions, yarrow, comfrey
Mulch makers Comfrey, cardoon, rhubarb, nasturtium.
Suppress grass Clover, daffodils, garlic chives, tulips
Repel pests Garlic, Daffodils

Resources#

To examine

Examined