Tree Guilds
Creating An Ecosystem
A predesigned ecosystem is a “Tree Guild,” often designed for fruit trees, and less often nut trees. A guild is an ecological and social term for groupings of species that are synergistic for the center plant, usually a tree.
Planted together, a guild will eventually fill a space that is approximately 20’ diameter circle or 15′ corner space, unless you are designing an espalier orchard. See specific plant pages for more information about specific plants.
Please note: Rezenience is a new orchard and currently has limited selection and quantity of plants. If interested in design, you may contact us by clicking on the red ‘Get In Touch’ button at the top right side of the page.
Fruit Tree Guild
Borage or Comfrey
Chives
Strawberry
Sorrel
Scarlet Clover
Calendula
Black Walnut Tree Guild
Wild Violets
Chives
Elderberry
Comfrey
Black raspberry
Yarrow
History
A guild of plants is best known as the Three Sisters Garden, developed by the indigenous peoples of North America. Maize (corn), beans, and squash were grown together. Maize was planted at least two weeks before climbing beans. Squash was planted between to shade the soil between the corn and bean groupings.
Uses
Guilds are a polyculture, and are best planted at the time a fruit tree is planted, although guild plants can be added any time. Often, one hears how ‘nothing grows around a black walnut tree,’ however, this is incorrect. The plants in the Walnut Tree Guild listed above are just some of the plants that tolerate juglone, the substance toxic to many, but not all, plants.
Design
Tree Guilds can be used to make a more bare area usable and pretty, using different design styles. Fruit Tree Guilds can be used in an orchard, to create a food forest, or even used in a more formal espalier design. A Nut Tree Guild works in a more formal design, a more naturalized style for a low care yard, as well as creating a native food forest.
Benefits
Guilds provide many benefits to the tree at the center of the design, keeping it healthier. Or to strategically plant along the edges of an espalier orchard. We’ve all seen the faux pas volcano mulch, but in the end mimicking a forest is the healthiest option for trees.
Parting Thoughts
Depending on the type of fruit tree, there are a number of different plants that can benefit the tree, as well as provide the type of design and style that fits your space and aesthetic taste.
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We do this by providing the most healthful varieties of plants, fruits, and seeds, through
environmentally sound design services, and by means of education.
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