North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Mark & Helen Angermayer" <hangermayer@isp.com>]

Jim,

I've not tried limestone under trees, but it should conserve water and
reduce weed pressure.  If you have acidic soil, slowly adding lime might be
a good thing.  Many soils around here are already alkaline, so it probably
wouldn't be a good idea in Kansas.  Of course, the stones won't add any
organic matter. But they might have the advantage of harboring predators
(ground beetles) a small benefit, but every little bit helps.

Mark
KS


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "JAMES ELIE" <>
To: "North American Fruit Explorers" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2008 1:29 PM
Subject: Re: [NAFEX] mowing orchards


> An alternative I have been considering for my own fruit trees is the use
of
> limestone flagstones inside the drip line of the tree.  I would be a
> constant source of lime, would keep weeds down and away from tree except
> for the space between stones.  The spacing, size, and angling of the
stones
> would be variable based on soil type and climate.  It would most likely
> improve air flow under the trees as well. Do you think it would result as
> too much of a barrier for the trees?  Of course, this would only be
> feasible for a home orchard but would be long lasting. I would like to
hear
> some thoughts on this as an option to mowing.
>
> Thanks
>
> Jim Elie
> Green Bay Wisconsin
> zone 4/5
>
>
> >