What is a Guild?

A guild, in this context, is a grouping of different plant species that takes advantage of the natural patterns of biodiversity. Plant guilds create a low-maintenance, self-sufficient system that coexists due to its diversity of functions. Some guilds are naturally occurring in nature, while gardeners have discovered others through trial and error.

Want to see a guild in action? Take a walk in a nearby nature park to find guilds that exist in areas near you. What you’ll notice is that many guilds take advantage of layering to reduce competition for sunlight. Each plant in those layers supports the surrounding plants and often have multiple purposes.

Guilds are focused around a central element. This focal piece is typically a fruit or nut tree. Around the tree, plants are selected to enhance and support growth. Some of the ways plants in the guild can be used to support your central element are:

1. Fertilization
2. Pest deterrent
3. Mulch production
4. Grass suppressant
5. Pollinator and beneficial insect attractants
6. Wildlife deterrent

When designing a guild at home, you will want to aim for plants that will save you time, money, and labor. The initial set up is the costliest part, as you are buying all the different elements within a short timeframe. In the long run, though, you will have a more durable and resilient garden. These systems will become more resilient as they protect soil from sunlight and erosion, restore nutrients to the ground, and otherwise support the system as a whole over many years.

What Do I Consider Before Starting a Tree Guild?

There is no exact guide as to what goes into a guild; even definitions of the different layers of the guild will vary from source to source. Due to differing regional climates and localized microclimates, there will need to be a decent amount of research into what combinations will work best for your site. Figuring out the central element and the qualities you will need in pairing plants requires some upfront research. For example, does it need pollinators? Is it susceptible to fungus? How sensitive is it to frost?

You will want to design a guild that is going to fit into your yard space appropriately. Start by planning for the maximum size of your tree. Some semi-dwarf fruit trees average anywhere between eight to ten feet with a six or seven-foot crown. More vigorous trees can be 18 to 20 feet, with a crown spanning 13 feet or even more! So be sure to take into account powerlines, underground pipes, concrete paths, and neighbors before you start.

The canopy of the tree, within the dripline, dictates the size of the guild. The dripline is typically the extent of the root’s reach, as this is where accumulated water from the outer leaf layers will drip down. Occasionally, tree roots can and will reach beyond the dripline given appropriate conditions. To trace the drip line of the tree, place a stake at the center of your design attached to a string equal to half the crown diameter. Attach a stick for tracing at the end, and draw a circle around the center. 

What are the Steps to Planting a Fruit Tree Guild?

1. First, select a fruit tree appropriate to your climate region. Some trees, such as apple or plum trees, require chill hours, while others will die in cold climates. After finding the ideal location and being sure to leave enough space for maturity size, plant the tree.
2. Next, prepare the space. Adding a drip line will cut down on future watering time until the tree guild is established enough to support itself. For the area around the tree, lay down a layer of cardboard to the drip line and wet it thoroughly. Add three to six inches of compost on top of the cardboard, making sure to keep the compost a few inches away from the tree trunk. At this point, some designers will choose to let the compost sit for a few months, while others will move directly into planting.
3. Plant the guild with various herbaceous plants, being sure to give preference to perennial and self-seeding annual systems. Every plant should have a purpose in the guild, preferably more than one function, honoring principle #8, so try not to plant something to fill space.