How To Underplant With Crabapple Trees

Consider companion plants for crabapple trees. Companion plantings are groupings of plants that benefit each other in a symbiotic relationship as they grow. Companion plants that benefit crab apple trees include comfrey and horseradish, which crowd out grasses that can poison the root system of the trees. Early spring bulbs are also ideal since they will take advantage of the full sun before the leaf canopy grows. The blossoms will also attract pollinating bees.

Look into the possibility of shallow-rooted plants such as strawberries. Shallow-rooted plants are less likely to disrupt the root structure of an established tree.

Select low-growing plants that will not interfere with the tree’s canopy.

Make a plan for planting your underplanting. Avoid uniform rings or straight lines in your plan since plants rarely grow naturally straight and even. To emulate nature in your underplanting, mass your plants in uneven-numbered groups or rows and position them in assymetrical formations. Also avoid changing the grade of dirt around your tree. Burying the tree in more soil, or ringing it with a raised bed will cause the tree to slip into a slow decline and eventually die.

Mark the perimeter of your underplanting bed with a garden hose.

Loosen any existing turf with a garden hose and remove it, being careful not to damage the tree’s root system while doing so.

Dig holes for your plants with a garden trowel and place the plants into the holes. Replace the soil around the plants. If you encounter a large root, move your planting hole rather than disturb the root.

Water the planting area thoroughly.