In message m, rgree
writes
Hi. Has anyone got any suggestions. I bought an apple tree this spring
and planted it. Unfortunately, there is a large amount of dock leave
weeds around the base. I would like to get rid of them without
posoining my tree. Any suggestions would be gratefully appreceiated

Standard procedure is to keep weeds down round newly planted trees using
glyphosate. As long as you don't hit any green leaves it has no effect
on the tree and it is devastating on grasses and perennial weeds.

The other alternative is to strim, but be sure you don't end up bruising
the trees bark (or worse still stripping it).

You slow down the trees growth and establishment if it is being choked
by competitors during the growing season. Digging out weeds near newly
planted trees going into winter tends to be counter productive.

Be sure it is well staked against the prevailing wind for its first
winter.

Regards,
--
Martin Brown