The careful selection of ground cover materials around the base of fruit-bearing trees significantly impacts their health and productivity. These materials, when properly chosen, can offer a multitude of benefits, mimicking a natural forest floor environment and contributing to a thriving orchard ecosystem.
Appropriate ground coverings conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature fluctuations in the root zone, and suppress weed growth, thereby reducing competition for vital nutrients. Furthermore, organic options decompose over time, enriching the soil with essential elements and fostering a healthy soil microbiome. This practice has been employed for centuries in agricultural settings to improve yield and overall plant vigor.