What should I avoid planting near cherry trees?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.You can run into trouble plant companions for cherry trees. Walnut trees secrete a toxin called juglone that will restrict the development of cherry roots. I discovered this when my young ‘Bing' tree wilts after perfect care. Similarly, nightshade crops, including tomatoes, have the same pests such as aphids. Choose friends such as marigolds and garlic. These plants will naturally deter borers and nematodes.
Avoid These Plants
- Walnut trees: Juglone toxin kills cherry roots within 50 ft (15 m).
- Tomatoes/Peppers: Attract hornworms and aphids to cherries.
- Large shade trees: Block sunlight, reducing fruit yields by 30%.
Ideal Companions
- Garlic: Repels borers when planted 3 ft (0.9 m) from trunks.
- Marigolds: Deter nematodes; plant 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) apart.
- Chives: Boost pollination with blooms that attract bees.
Juglone, a natural chemical found in walnut trees, persists in soil for extended periods. I lost two saplings before confirming the walnut toxicity through testing. Now, I plant the cherry saplings uphill from walnuts, as the chemical leaches out laterally and doesn't spread as much uphill. I rotate nightshades to avoid the walnut tree boundary. I had a tomato patch adjacent to my cherry trees and experienced multiple aphid infestations until I moved it away 25 ft (7.6 m).
I had success with companion planting. I planted garlic cloves in an area impacted by the 'Stella' cut borer, putting the cloves roughly 6 inches (15 cm) deep, which reduced damage by 80%. I used marigolds in between rows to reduce nematode counts in soil tests. Avoid mint as it can be invasive and compete with nutrients as it spreads. Keep a garden journal to track pairings so that you can select the right pairings each year.
Read the full article: How to Grow Cherry Trees From Seed or Sapling
