How Close Do You Plant Plum Trees?

Growing your own plum trees can be a rewarding experience, but figuring out how close to plant them can be a challenge. The spacing of plum trees can impact their growth, fruit productivity, and overall health. In this article, we will cover the factors to consider when planting plum trees and provide guidance on how close you should plant them.

The Size of the Plum Tree

One of the crucial factors to consider when planting plum trees is their ultimate size. Plum trees can grow to various heights and widths depending on the variety, rootstock, and growing conditions. For example, dwarf plum trees can reach about 8 to 10 feet in height and spread, while standard plum trees can grow up to 20 to 30 feet in height and spread. Therefore, you should choose the appropriate spacing for your plum trees depending on their mature size.

The Rootstock of the Plum Tree

Another factor to consider is the rootstock of the plum tree. This is because the rootstock can affect the growth and productivity of the tree, in addition to its size. Rootstock can either encourage or reduce the vigor and size of the fruit tree. For instance, the M26 rootstock is a dwarfing one, which means that it can restrict the growth and spread of the tree. Conversely, the Colt rootstock is a vigorous one, which means that it can produce a more extensive tree than other rootstocks. Therefore, understanding the rootstock of your plum tree can help you choose the appropriate spacing for it.

The Type of Soil

The type of soil in your garden can also impact the spacing of your plum trees. Plum trees grow best in well-drained, fertile soils that are rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Therefore, if your garden soil is sandy, rocky, or heavy clay, you may need to adjust the spacing of your plum trees. Improving the soil structure, texture, and fertility can help boost the growth and productivity of your trees and ensure that they have the appropriate spacing to thrive.

The Spacing for Plum Trees

Now that you understand the factors that can influence the spacing of plum trees, let's take a closer look at the recommended distance between them. The recommended spacing for dwarf plum trees is about 6 to 10 feet apart, while standard plum trees require a distance of about 15 to 20 feet between them. If you're planting plum trees for privacy, you may want to consider spacing them closer together to create a dense, lush hedge. However, if you're planting plum trees for fruit production, you should ensure that each tree has adequate space to grow, which can prevent competition for resources like water, light, and nutrients.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to planting plum trees, spacing is a crucial consideration to ensure that the trees grow, produce fruit, and thrive. The size of the tree, the rootstock, the type of soil, and the purpose of the tree can all impact the spacing. You should aim to plant dwarf plum trees about 6 to 10 feet apart and standard plum trees about 15 to 20 feet apart. By understanding the spacing requirements of your plum trees, you can ensure that they have the necessary space to grow, thrive, and produce juicy, delicious fruits.