QA

Question: How Far Apart Should Fruit Trees Be Planted

Fruit tree spacing can be as close as 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm.) apart for a hedgerow. If multi-planting, plant similar rootstocks together and trees with like spray requirements together.

How much space do you need between fruit trees?

Most standard-sized fruit trees need approximately 20 feet by 20 feet of space to grow properly, though standard-sized apple and sweet cherry trees need around 35 by 35 feet of space. Citrus trees only require about 8 feet to grow properly.

Can you plant different fruit trees next to each other?

It’s important to grow fruit-tree varieties that taste great and are productive, but you also have to know a little about pollination. Most fruit trees grow best with at least two different varieties planted. The varieties should bloom at roughly the same time in spring and have pollen that’s compatible.

What happens if you plant fruit trees too close together?

Problems. If the fruit trees do grow tall, however, close planting can cause problems. The trees create too much shade, preventing light from penetrating to the lower branches. This can encourage the growth of fungii and reduce the production of fruit, potentially damaging or ruining the fruit harvest.

How close do fruit trees need to be to pollinate?

In planting for pollination, a fruit tree that needs a pollinator needs it close by. A maximum distance of 100 feet is suggested, but the closer the better. Bees that carry pollen are unlikely to fly back and forth if distance between trees is greater. In addition to planting pollinators, other alternatives exist.

Can you plant multiple fruit trees together?

All types of fruit trees grow well together. Spacing for good canopy development, easy picking, good air circulation and size compatibility are important considerations in choosing fruit trees for the backyard orchard.

What should I plant between fruit trees?

6 great companions for fruit trees Bergamot/bee balm. This is an aromatic family of herbs, which means you gain an eye-catching flowering plant which bees and other pollinators love, and its flowers and leaves can also be used in your cooking. Chives. Allium schoenoprasum. Daffodils. Cow parsley. Buckwheat. Comfrey.

How far apart do you plant peach trees?

If you are planting standard-size trees, space them 15 to 20 feet apart. Space dwarf trees 10 to 12 feet apart. Most types of peach trees are self-fertile, so planting one tree is all that’s needed for fruit production.

Can you plant an apple tree next to a pear tree?

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 a peach tree next to an apple tree?

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 together can I plant apple trees?

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.

Can fruit trees be planted on a slope?

Apples are an enduring and useful crop, and the fruit can be used to make everything from apple cider to pie or savory preserves. Planting apple trees on a slope allows for better drainage and airflow than planting on flat ground.

Can I plant an orange tree next to a lemon tree?

According to Citrus.com, the majority of citrus are compatible with each other so lemon and orange can be grafted to the same rootstock. Dwarf rootstock will result in small citrus trees suitable for growing in pots that can be moved indoors when temperatures drop.

How far apart do you plant Meyer lemon trees?

When planting more than one ‘Improved Meyer’ or assembling a backyard orchard of dwarf or semi-dwarf fruit trees, Master Gardener Steve Albert recommends spacing the planting holes 10 feet apart.

Should fruit trees be planted in pairs?

Do you have to plant fruit trees in pairs? Often, but not always. 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.

Can a pear tree pollinate an apple tree?

It is best to pollinate fruit trees of the same genus with each other — apples with apples, or pears with pears — but pears can cross-pollinate with apples, as long as both trees bloom at the same time. Some but not all ornamental crabapple trees work for cross-pollination purposes.

How do you know if you have a male or female fruit tree?

If a tree is dioecious it only has male or female parts, not both. If a tree is male and contains flowers, then it has male flowers and produces pollen. Meanwhile, if a tree is female and contains flowers, then it has female flowers and produces fruit.

Can two fruit trees grow in one hole?

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.

Can you plant a cherry tree next to a plum tree?

European plums and tart cherries are self-compatible. They do not require two varieties to produce fruit, however they will generally produce more fruit if a second variety is nearby.

Can I plant trees close together?

How Close to Plant Trees to Each Other: What Are the Best Practices? Most landscaping professionals recommend that you leave at least 10 feet between small trees and at least 30 to 50 feet between large trees. Medium-sized trees can fare well with a distance of 20 feet between them.