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I'd be reluctant to even hazard a guess. Simply too many variables and unknowns that could make a difference.With a heavy layer of mulch under the fruit bushes and the area under the trees put to grass you could reasonably go for weeks at a time with little to do except a quick run over with a mower. But if you leave bare earth around the whole lot the work load is going to be a lot higher. Usually plenty of activity with a hoe would prevent things being too arduous, but in this case you need to be careful not to damage any roots so scope for using a hoe will be somewhat limited. Hand weeding is of course very time consuming. I appreciate it is a sensible question. Knowing your time commitment to your fruit growing project will let you allocate your time to other interests. But I will say"pass" on this one.
Hang on. I've no wish to be rude, but we seem to be going round in circles here.As I recall, you started the thread about strimmers. People suggested alternatives like mulch, and understandably you asked further questions about mulch. You asked "what is the easiest mulch to use". Then later you asked several further questions about types of mulch and their use. And you got several very useful replies including more than one excellent answer from Vinlander. All well and good.Now you ask about the likely time commitment to maintain your fruiting area. People say it could vary, but would be less if you used mulch around your bushes and trees. You reply "So what mulch could I use?"If you had not started the first thread this would be entirely reasonable. But some contributors have already taken time and trouble to give you lengthy and detailed advice in the first thread and yet you seem to be ignoring that and asking the same question again.At best this seems to lack courtesy, at worst it is downright inconsiderate. Many contributors here are patient and helpful. Please be gracious enough not to waste their time.
Then I send my sincere and humble apologies. Perhaps I was feeling irritable. But no excuses. I was wrong and happy to say sorry.Best wishesBeersmith
Hi DavhollaI agree with most of what has been advised previously and the variability of other people's opinions/advice " that's gardening I am afraid.!"Here is my slant on the subject hope this does create any further misunderstanding of your query/shttp://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Content/W/Weeds/Weeds.htm
Is a hoe better at removing the grass + weeds than using a fork?
I like my digging hoe for weeds like grass esp in a large area but for deep rooted stuff I use a small fork.
Yep, get one of these, you will see them cheaper but for a tool that is used to clear jungles and hand till in most countries it is worth the money. The tool does the work, if you are getting bad backs etc you are using it wrong.https://www.quickcrop.co.uk/product/chillington-heavy-duty-hoe