How come fruit trees don’t have way saplings growing by the base of the tree. With all of the seeds that fall, wouldn’t more germinate than we typically see?

Question

How come fruit trees don’t have way saplings growing by the base of the tree. With all of the seeds that fall, wouldn’t more germinate than we typically see?

In: 2

Answer 1

Have you ever tried to dig out a tree? A sizeable tree will have well formed roots that extend easily to/past the bulk of its foliage, increasing in density the closer you get to the tree. It’s incredibly hard in this sort of environment for new saplings to take hold, not to mention even if they did they’re stunted for sunlight in the shade of the parent tree. May as well try and grow saplings on a hardwood floor.

Answer 2

Have you ever tried to dig out a tree? A sizeable tree will have well formed roots that extend easily to/past the bulk of its foliage, increasing in density the closer you get to the tree. It’s incredibly hard in this sort of environment for new saplings to take hold, not to mention even if they did they’re stunted for sunlight in the shade of the parent tree. May as well try and grow saplings on a hardwood floor.