posted 12 years ago
I want to plant a fruit tree on a sandy hill facing south, I have figured out that in order to give it a good start it could be accompanied by Elaeagnus angustifolia, Robinia pseudoacacia, Sophora japonica and Caragana arborescens (I have an access to these). Is it a good idea?
If I plan for, lets say, dwarf apple tree, what is the best way to use these species? First three can grow pretty big. In case of Caragana, it shouldn't be a problem, it tolerates pruning very well. Currently, the apple tree has a size of 3 feet, those four possible fixers have a size of 1-2 feet, but I'm afraid that they might outgrow apple tree soon.
If this idea makes any sense, how to space these plants?
As to preparing the soil, would burying some wood under such tree help to hold some water?
After planting, I plan to mulch with fresh wood chips, and plant other companion plants in small pockets of soil, makes sense?