Newly planted and Young Trees as well as Mature Trees absolutely need weed control especially around their bases, because weeds steal vital water, nutrients, and sunlight, hindering tree growth, reducing fruit yield/quality, and creating habitats for pests and diseases, with young trees being especially vulnerable. Effective control methods include mulching, or mowing (careful, nicks can cause the protective layer of bark to weaken), to keep the root zone clear, protecting young tree growth and overall orchard health.

Why weed control is essential:

Resource Competition: Weeds compete directly with tree roots for water, nutrients (like nitrogen), and light, starving the tree.
Pest & Disease Habitat: Uncontrolled weeds harbor insects (aphids, stink bugs) and rodents that can damage trees and fruit.
Reduced Yield & Quality: Competition lowers fruit production and quality, and can even impact surrounding crops.
Health & Safety: Dense weeds can promote crown rot and make harvesting difficult.

Effective weed control methods:

Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch (wood chips, straw, compost) around the tree base, keeping it a few inches from the trunk, to suppress weeds and retain moisture.Our TreeGuard Rings are a efficient and effective way to control weeds around the base of your trees. The rings have a slit from the outer edge to a center 3" cut out hole for easy just slip around the base installation. There is also a 6" perforated inside ring tht allows the TreeGuard to fit nicely around large trunk bases.
Available in 24", 36" and 48" OD Rings
Mowing: Keep grass mowed short in the orchard floor, but avoid the immediate tree trunk area.
Hand Weeding/Cultivation: Remove weeds manually, especially around young trees.
Herbicides: Not recommended

Focus on:

The Weed Strip: Maintain a 3-8 foot wide weed-free zone directly under the tree, as it's hard to mow.
Young Trees: Protect the first few years of growth intensely, as they are most susceptible.

Spotlight Fruit Tree Grower

Customer Feedback
“Hi Mike this is a great product, just heavy enough to hold up for several years but not too heavy. I am using them around 5 year old fruit trees that were getting too much pressure from crab grass (witch grass?). I weed wacked down about to dirt, put them down, then placed 5” of wood chips on them, using tree guards to keep the chips away from the trunk. This should give the trees a better chance. The smaller ones are for blueberry bushes, and elderberry, done the same way, also reduces the hiding places for voles. Sent two photos”