Well, I got my strawberries mostly weeded

[DianaB]

Putting hay around the bottom of the tree may keep the ground cooler so it might possibly keep it from leafing out as quickly. I really don't know. I've never tried it. Hmmm.........I know that if you put hay around your garden plants it will help keep the weeds down and hold in moisture. Then in the fall you work it all into the soil and it really helps your soil too.