Can I grow pole beans on my apple trees?

[Eric]

Hello,
I recently purchased a few apple trees from a big box store in my area (st Louis, mo). I planted the trees and now I'm working on adding my guild plants. So far I have Planted comfrey, red clover, purple coneflower, and dill.

I was consderering planting pole beans to grow up the trees to not only add nitrogen to the soil but also to take advantage of the vertical space provided by the tree. (like a live trellis)

My question is: is there any reason I shouldn't do this? Could the beans possibly harm or shade out my apple tree? I've seen plenty of trees die from ivy and various other vines but I'm not sure a pole bean could cause any harm.

Thanks in advance for any advise or opinions.

[Nikki]

I can't say for sure, but I really couldn't see it being a problem.  Unless maybe the beans didn't get enough sun because of the tree, but it's doubtful.  They definitely wouldn't hurt the tree though, the types of ivy and other plants that smother trees take years to do it, and pole beans definitely don't grow as much and wouldn't actually root into the tree or anything.
I say give it a try and let us know how it turns out!

[caryhson1]

Neat idea, I was thinking of planting pole beans under some trees as well. I thought I would tie some jute to some low branches (they are mature trees) and stake the other end in the ground.

[fritz_monroe]

Have you thought about runner beans?  I think that they are perrenial plants.  I would think this would be the perfect use for them.

[Eric]

Awesome everyone, thanks for your input. I decided to give it a shot and planted some Cherokee trail of tears beans around my trees. I'll keep you guys informed on the outcome. If it works out ok I will try to switch over to a perennial variety next year.

[mountainoaks]

I tried planting beans under my corn plants after the corn was up about 2 feet tall and the beans never took off. Too shady I think. You may have good luck this year since your trees are young but once they get larger it may be a problem. I tend to plant bush bean varieties since trellises can be time consuming to build.