Tree guilds are nature-inspired plant communities that work together to support the health, productivity, and resilience of a central fruit or nut tree.
This approach, rooted in permaculture design, mimics forest ecosystems where every plant plays a role — nourishing the soil, deterring pests, conserving water, and providing habitat.
A tree guild is a polyculture — a group of plants intentionally selected to support a central tree.
Instead of isolating one species, guilds encourage mutual benefit and ecosystem resilience.
Each plant in the guild is chosen for a specific role:
Nitrogen fixers to fertilize the soil
Groundcovers to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Pollinator attractors to support fruiting
Pest repellents to protect the tree naturally
Dynamic accumulators to mine nutrients from deep soil layers
Choose Your Central Tree: What fruit or nut tree are you planting?
Identify Its Needs: Sunlight, soil, nutrients, pests, pollinators
Select Companion Plants: Use the roles above to build your guild
Observe & Adapt: Let nature guide your design as it grows
“When we design like a forest, every plant becomes a partner in abundance.”
Tree guilds regenerate soil, increase yield, reduce maintenance, and foster biodiversity — all while creating beauty and balance on the land.
Explore how Nalo Designs can help you create regenerative, low-maintenance food systems.
[Contact us for custom permaculture design] or [Get a Tree Guild Starter Plan]
