There is a lot of published information out there on optimal spacing for fruit trees in commercial orchard production, that is not what I am asking. Instead I would like your thoughts on best spacing of various types of fruit trees for backyard growing conditions when there is ample acreage available?
Assume you have an existing residential property with a acre or two of land or so with a variety of existing trees, but still ample space to plant more smaller fruiting trees and bushes. So not a blank slate, but still plenty of 40-50 foot wide open patches.
I know the answer will vary depending on the size of the tree, so feel free to give answers for different types of fruit trees. Do you use a rule of thumb, like perhaps double the space suggested for commercial planting, … or do you stick with the commercial spacing even on residential planting where one is not after optimal fruit per acre?
If I had your yard I’d plant with 15’ spacing trunk-to-trunk. Also, since it’s for your enjoyment consider an aesthetic arrangement – no need to plant in strict rows.
Thanks Richard, that is what I have been doing (well more like 18-20 ft on most), except for my blueberries, where about half are planted in 2 rows of 4 plants with about 10 ft spacing, and my thornless blackberries which are in an open Z shaped set of rows for trellising and irrigation. For the stone fruit, I have been planting in triangular clusters, others like pears are scattered. The truth is I am winding down my pace of planting now, and was asking for more academic reasons. My thought was also by using spacing that is at least twice the suggested commercial spacing is that it leaves room to go back in and plant future must try varieties.
I’m keeping my trees small via Backyard Orchard Culture adapted to the east. I space mine at 8 feet. I don’t have a lot of room. My trees are now 7 years old and I love it! I have plenty of room between trees, so much so I planted black currants between them.
You know most new commercial orchards are planting as close as I am. They no longer want full size trees they call them high density orchards, or pedestrian orchards.(no ladders!).
I planted Apple on 111 rootstock 16’x24’ per recommendations .
Some such as gold rush ,honey crisp , ark black seem to do good at that spacing.
Other more vigorous varietys are now to crowded and I have to make hard choices ,as to do sever pruning to keep them In their space ,or remove some trees. Wish l had planted some farther apart.
Or planted a tree with a shorter life span In between ( peach ? )
Iam starting a new block and will plant farther apart this time ,as I have room.
The recommendations from the university’s etc. I believe are geared toward early high returns on land, effective spraying with a tractor , etc.
Wider spacing can improve air flow and lessen some diseases in a back yard , small farm setting, I recommend wider spacing than is commonly recommend .
