Pros and Cons?

[loneranger]

I have large circles of bare ground hoed up around my fruit trees out in my fields. Quite weed free at the present time. I am thinking of raking in some clover into the areas. On the plus side,,would put nitrogen into the soil for the trees. Something positive, instead of big bare areas around the trees. I have already put down fert for em last month. On the negative side, clover will attract deer even more to the trees, bringing nibbles on low branches, and rabbits, etc. Is the fertilizing potential of the clover worth the attraction of critters?

 

[HorseDoctor]

IMO: Unless fenced, or otherwise protected, the rabbits &/or deer will find the trees anyway. Might as well plant what you want.

 

[BigfootWillow.com]

Yeah, rabbits and deer will find the trees anyways, I guess the difference between bare ground and covering it with vegetation would be making it more suitable for mice and voles to hide in next to the trees, but if their trunks are protected, then wouldn't matter.
Anyways I don't fertilize my fruit trees like apples and pears, as lush growth from it can be more susceptible to fireblight infection, though if these are resistant varieties, probably not as much as a concern.

 

[loneranger]

These trees have survived Fireblight,,,just wondering if clover would add that much to the soil? Yea the deer definitely already know they are there. They have nibbled on any low branch they can find within reach already.

 

[Turkey Creek]

The amount of nitrogen released by the clover will be minimal. Nitrogen is released from the roots when the plant or in some cases part of the root dies. Another issue arises if you are going to spray insecticide on your trees as the clover will attract pollinators while it is in bloom and pesticide drift from your trees will be a detrimental to your pollinator populations.

Generally a bare area is left or mulched under trees. Fescue is pretty common in commercial orchards between tree rows.

 

[Sligh1]

If it were mine, permanent locations of bigger trees, I'd mulch with limestone rocks. Maybe put a liner under it. I do like clover though, like above, I time my insecticide sprayings OR I don't use the insecticides period, just fungicides, etc. I don't wanna hurt the bees any worse than they are but my #1 is keeping the apples safe. If your trunk is well protected and you keep on your weed control, I personally think any of those approaches will be fine.