
How Far Apart Do You Plant Fruit Trees?
- Standard apple trees need 30 to 35 feet (9-11 m.) between trees, while semi-dwarf apples require 15 feet (5 m.) and...
- Peach trees should be spaced 20 feet (6 m.) apart.
- Standard pear trees need about 20 feet (6 m.) and semi-dwarf pears about 15 feet (5 m.) between trees.
- Plum trees should be spaced 15 feet (5 m.) apart and apricots...
How much space do you need between fruit trees?
The following are some of the basic space requirements for fruit trees. Standard apple trees need 30 to 35 feet (9-11 m.) between trees, while semi-dwarf apples require 15 feet (5 m.) and dwarf apples need only 10 feet (3 m.) Peach trees should be spaced 20 feet (6 m.) apart. Standard pear trees need about 20 feet (6 m.) and semi-dwarf pears about 15 feet (5 m.) between trees.
How far apart to plant Granny Smith trees?
- Before planting, remove all weeds and the grass in a 4-foot diameter circle.
- After you purchase the tree, protect it from injury, drying out, freezing, or overheating. ...
- Tree spacing is influenced by the rootstock, soil fertility, and pruning. ...
- Dig a hole approximately twice the diameter of the root system and 2 feet deep. ...
How much space should I leave between trees?
This means you should leave a minimum 15-feet of space between trees. If a species grows to 30-feet, use 30-feet of spacing. Here is a reference: What’s the Optimal Tree Spacing Distance When Planting Multiple Trees? - Pro-Cut Tree Service.
What is the best way to plant a fruit tree?
Part 2 Part 2 of 3: Digging a Hole and Preparing the Ground Download Article
- Prepare to plant in the spring. Fruit trees can be planted at any time of year, but in areas with cold winters or hot summers, your best bet is ...
- Add compost to the soil if necessary. If you have clay-heavy soil, or soil that is hard and packed, it's a good idea to till the soil to a ...
- Dig a wide hole. ...

What happens if you plant fruit trees too close together?
The trees create too much shade, preventing light from penetrating to the lower branches. The trees can form a canopy which stifles are circulation under the leaves. This can encourage the growth of fungii and reduce the production of fruit, potentially damaging or ruining the fruit harvest.
Can different fruit trees be planted next to each other?
It's easier in the long run to plant your fruit trees farther apart than you need to, rather than placing them too close together. The bees and other pollinators will find their way, as long as trees that require pollination are within 100 feet of each other.
How far should Apple trees be planted apart?
about 15 to 18 feet apartSeedlings or full-size trees should be planted about 15 to 18 feet apart in a row. A dwarfing rootstock might be 4 to 8 feet apart in a row. Of course, apple trees require cross-pollination; a different cultivar that blooms at the same time must be planted within 2,000 feet (preferably, nearer).
How far apart should dwarf fruit trees be planted?
The spacing depends on the type of tree: a row of full-size trees should be planted 15 to 18 feet apart; dwarf varieties can be closer, 6 to 8 feet apart in a row.
What fruit trees can grow close together?
Plums and Apricots They can be planted close together, and there are great opportunities for cross-pollination. You can also easily combined apricots and plums together in close proximity.
Can you plant 2 fruit trees together?
The most common fruit trees used for this are peaches, plums, pluots and apples. In the shared hole (trees planted 18 to 24 inches apart), two to four fruit trees of the same general type are planted together. For instance, an early, mid and late peach (three trees) might be planted together.
What fruit trees grow well together?
Most varieties of peaches, nectarines, apricots and sour cherry trees do not require pollination from another tree. Many varieties of apple, sweet cherries, Asian pears and blueberries require another pollinating tree or bush. Trees in a neighboring yard may do the job.
Can you plant apple and pear trees together?
Planting apple or pear trees close together will benefit the trees and not take up as much space in your yard. Most can be planted about 18 inches apart. Most apple and pear trees require a second, compatible tree for cross-pollination, so make sure you know if your tree will need one, and the suitable companion tree.
Can you plant apple and peach trees together?
You can plant apples alongside peaches, because they have similar growing requirements. Dwarf varieties should be spaced about 8 feet apart, semi-dwarf about 12 feet apart and standard at least 15 feet apart.
How close can you plant citrus trees together?
12 to 25 feet apartCitrus trees prefer slightly acidic soil, so consider testing the pH of your planting site and amending accordingly. Standard-size citrus trees should be spaced 12 to 25 feet apart and dwarf citrus trees should be set 6 to 10 feet apart.
Can you plant trees close together?
Trees grow like they do in the forest when planted closely. People prefer spending time in this type space than in a space where canopy is low to the ground. Notice the cathedral-like canopy that developed when these live oaks were planted close together. Spaced further apart, the trees develop a more spreading habit.
Can different fruit trees pollinate each other?
In general terms each species can only pollinate others of its own kind - apples will only pollinate other apples, pears will only pollinate pears, and so on. Amongst apples there is generally no distinction between crab apples, cider apples, and mainstream apples - they can all potentially cross-pollinate each other.
Do fruit trees grow better in pairs?
Most fruit trees need to be pollinated with at least two or three compatible trees. This means if possible, you should plant a couple of trees to encourage pollination, giving them about 50-feet of space between the trees.
Do different fruit trees cross pollinate?
The transfer of pollen from one variety to a different variety of the same type of tree is called cross- pollination. Cross-pollination is essential for apples, pears, most sweet cherries, and most Japanese plums.
Do pear and apple trees grow well together?
Planting apple or pear trees close together will benefit the trees and not take up as much space in your yard. Most can be planted about 18 inches apart. Most apple and pear trees require a second, compatible tree for cross-pollination, so make sure you know if your tree will need one, and the suitable companion tree.
Can you plant 2 apple trees together?
Two trees can provide plenty of apples But you don't need to plant a whole orchard to enjoy apples right off the tree. Two trees will reward any family with enough fruit to enjoy and share with friends. Apples require pollen from a different apple variety to grow fruit.
Why Does Spacing Matter?
You’ve probably seen images of fruit trees packed together in commercial orchards. Maybe you’re thinking that you can get away with something similar. The more trees the better, right?
Fruit Tree Spacing Guidelines
We’ll include spacing guidelines for standard, semi-dwarf, and dwarf varieties when available. Spacing recommendations are for healthy growth based on mature size and other factors, including pollination.
A Note on Space-Saving Varieties
In the spirit of making fruit-growing accessible to those who live in urban spaces, plant breeders have been working to produce narrow, or columnar, versions of many types of fruit trees.
How far apart should I plant an apple tree?
However, how far apart should you plant apple trees in distance drops when you have semi-dwarf and dwarf. Standard apple trees need 30-35 feet, while semi-dwarf require 15 feet and dwarf require 10 feet. Peaches are to be spaced 20 feet apart.
How big do fruit trees get?
Standard fruit trees grow up to 18-25 feet tall/wide, Peaches and nectarines a bit smaller at 12-15 feet. If grown from seed, they need more space than grafts. Semi-dwarf sized trees reach 12-15 feet in height and width. Dwarf fruit trees grow 8-10 feet tall and wide.
Do dwarf fruit trees bear fruit?
Fruit trees are productive and bear fruits for years. With dwarf varieties, you can find you don’t need endless acres to grow them. Besides, with disease-resistant varieties, controlling pests is less of a challenge. However, don’t make a mistake thinking fruit trees are trouble-free, they are not a “plant and forget type ...
Can you plant apples together?
Looking at the above, you would think it is possible to group all your trees together. However, if you think how far apart should you plant apple trees, you need to think about the maturity. Fruit tree spacing needs to consider picking fruit and the size a tree grows because not all need to be grown too far apart.
How To Plant Different Fruit Trees Together
Before planting different fruit trees together, make sure they’re compatible in your hardiness zone and their blooming windows overlap for the best pollination. For example, cherries bloom in March while lemons bloom in April, so they both miss out on the other’s increase in pollinators.
Where To Plant Fruit Trees
The best place to plant fruit trees is in an area with plenty of sun, nutrients, and space to grow. Additionally, loose and well-draining soil will prevent over-watering and allow enough room for the tree to grow its roots. Avoid planting near powerlines or structures such as walls or home foundations.
How Far Apart Should Fruit Trees Be Planted?
As a general rule, standard-sized fruit trees should be planted 25-50 feet apart, while dwarf varieties should be planted 15-50 feet apart. This spacing ensures the trees’ roots and canopies won’t compete but is still close enough to promote increased pollination from their nearby flowers.
Can Different Fruit Trees Pollinate Each Other?
Different fruit trees can only pollinate with each other if they’re a similar variety of the same species. For example, a Pink Lady apple tree can cross-pollinate with a Fuji apple, but not with cherry or pear trees. However, different species can still benefit from overlapping blooming times, improving pollination.
More Tips To Grow Fruit Trees
When possible, grow grafted fruit trees. Compared to those grown from seed, fruit trees that are grafted grow much faster (1-3 years vs. 7-10 years), have more disease resistance, and are hardier. Grafted trees also have fruit that is the same as the parent tree, since they share the same DNA.
Can You Plant Different Fruit Trees Next to Each Other?
Apple trees usually attract more honey bees than you can handle! But – if you’re launching a garden and fruit tree from scratch, I always recommend a healthy layer of wildflowers in addition to your baby tree to help attract as many honeybees and pollinators as possible!
How Many Feet Apart Should You Plant Fruit Trees?
If you’re planting fruit trees in cold New England climates, you may be able to get away with giving your fruit trees slightly less room as they have shorter growing seasons. In southern and warmer regions – the fruit trees may stretch out more and demand more space. Plan accordingly!
How Far Apart Should Small Fruit Trees Be Planted?
Pear trees grow surprisingly large – especially compared to other fruit trees. They also produce a ton of fruit! Try giving your pear trees plenty of space to develop – offer around 25 feet per pear tree.
How much sunlight do fruit trees need?
Look for an open, sunny spot in the yard. Fruit trees generally need at least six hours of full sunlight in order to grow strong and produce healthy fruit. Look for a spot in the yard where the fruit tree won't be shaded by your home or other taller trees.
How to get a fruit tree to grow outward?
Use a shovel to dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots of the tree you're planting. Fruit trees' roots tend to grow outward, and this will give them plenty of room. Make sure that the roots are surrounded by loose soil so that they are not challenged by compressed earth.
What fruit can you grow from a grafted tree?
Buy a grafted fruit tree. Sweet apples, plums, pears and other fruits come from trees that have been grafted so that they produce the best-tasting fruit. Although fruit trees can be planted from seed, the resulting trees won't necessarily produce fruit that's good to eat.
How to protect a fruit tree from the sun?
2. Protect the tree from sunburn. Many fruit tree growers use a diluted solution of half white latex paint, half water to paint the tree trunk to act as a sunscreen. If you live in a region with very strong sun, like the Southwestern US, using this method will protect your tree from sun damage.
What are some good fruit trees to grow in the backyard?
Fruit trees are surprisingly easy to grow in a backyard setting, and they yield years' worth of beautiful spring blooms and plentiful fruit. Apple, peach, plum and pear trees all grow well in a variety of climates.
Do fruit trees need drainage?
This means that you don't want it too close to a building or driveway. Check the drainage in your planting area. Aside from full sun, proper soil drainage is the other essential condition for thriving fruit trees. The soil must not retain a lot of water, or it will cause the fruit trees' roots to rot in the ground.
Do pears need another tree to bear fruit?
Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. This depends on the variety of tree. Trees that are self-pollinating do not require another tree to bear fruit. Apples and pears generally require another variety planted nearby for pollination.
How far apart should I plant semi dwarf trees?
How far apart you space semi-dwarf trees depends in part on how you plan to maintain them. Trees pruned annually are best planted 12 to 18 feet apart . Trees pruned less regularly grow larger and need more space. Espaliered trees, pruned severely several times each year, need substantially less space, in some cases as little as 8 to 10 feet.
How do I grow a semi dwarf tree?
Your growing conditions also dictate how large semi-dwarf trees grow and how much space they need. Trees grow more quickly in very fertile, moist soil, while growth is slow in dry, sandy soils. Plant trees in a sunny location, in well-draining soil. Keep in mind that most fruit trees are unself-fruitful, meaning that you'll need to plant two cultivars that bloom at the same time to achieve pollination.
What are the advantages of semi dwarf fruit trees?
Semi-dwarf fruit trees offer many advantages over standard or dwarf trees. They're easier to prune and maintain and take up less space than standard trees, but they need less staking and live longer than many dwarf trees.
How long does it take for an apple tree to grow?
Depending on the variety and the tree size at planting time, it may take two, four or more years for the tree to be mature enough to begin fruiting.
What is the best soil for apple trees?
It’s also a good idea to have the soil tested before you plant. Apple trees (and other fruit and nut trees) do best in soil with a pH level of 6.5 (in a range of 0 to 14, acid to alkaline, 7 is pH neutral). If the soil is much outside that range either way, add amendments several months before you plant, if possible.
When was the Fuji apple first grown?
Trees grown on dwarf rootstock generally bear fruit sooner. ‘Fuji’ apple has been around since the 1930s, when it was first developed in Japan. A true heirloom apple, ‘Fuji’ offers crisp, sweet flesh. ‘Fuji’ apple has been around since the 1930s, when it was first developed in Japan.
