Tree planting into alfalfa

[LoessHillsArcher]

We've got a very thin alfalfa field, due to the soil being pretty tough, that doesn't produce much alfalfa. It never gets tall or thick and short foxtail is mixed in the whole thing every year. I'm thinking about planting shrubs/cedars/scattered hardwoods into the alfalfa. Any issues with this? I'm only experienced planting trees into brome... which sucks... so thinking this has to be better? I'm slightly concerned about the deep rooted alfalfa sucking water from the new planted shrubs/trees. I understand these trees aren't getting planted into prime fertile soil so I anticipate slow growth, which is fine to me.

 

[HWC]

Possibly the biggest reason for tree planting failures is grass and weed competition. I would expect the slow growth and plenty of failures if they don't get water the first year or 2 of establishment. JMO

 

[Hardwood11]

I’ve had some luck with a solid weed whip hitting the areas you plant ! Then a weed mat after you plant ?

 

[Sligh1]

Perennial rye grass is maybe the best ground cover. Weed control around trees of any kind generally always needed. Only concern with alfalfa would be the deer attracted to it & browse trees harder. & yes, the deep roots Spose if u have 3’ weed free area around them, would help on moisture. Brome is tough on trees so if u succeeded there- possibly comparable.
Since you don’t have any deer- this might be easier though
Perennial rye grass & running a fence around the area is pry the best method but if u get ur weed control under control & deer don’t hammer, pry be fine