How Close Together Do You Plant Apple Trees?

Apple trees are a popular choice for home orchards and can provide an abundance of tasty fruit each season. Proper spacing between apple trees is important for optimal growth and yield.

Factors to Consider

The spacing of apple trees depends on several factors. These include:

The mature size of the tree

The type of rootstock used

The training system used

The local growing conditions

It is important to consider all of these factors when determining the spacing of your apple trees.

Mature Tree Size

The mature size of the tree is one of the most important factors to consider when deciding on the spacing of your apple trees. Dwarfing rootstocks will produce smaller trees, while standard rootstocks will produce larger trees.

Generally, dwarfs can be planted 6 to 10 feet apart. Semi-dwarfs should be spaced 12 to 18 feet apart. Standard size trees will need 18 to 25 feet of space. Keep in mind that if you are using a trellis system, you can space trees more closely together.

Rootstock

The type of rootstock you choose can also have a significant impact on the spacing of your apple trees. Dwarf rootstocks will produce smaller trees, while standard rootstocks produce larger trees.

If you are using a dwarf rootstock, you can plant your trees 8 to 10 feet apart. If using a semi-dwarf rootstock, space the trees 12 to 14 feet apart. With standard rootstocks, space the trees 14 to 18 feet apart.

Training System

The training system used for your apple trees can also affect the spacing. Some training systems, such as espalier, require a closer spacing of trees, while other systems can allow for wider spacing.

If using a trellis system, you can space trees 4 to 6 feet apart. If using the central leader system, space the trees 12 to 18 feet apart.

Local Growing Conditions

The final factor to consider when determining spacing is your local growing conditions. If you have poor soil or limited sunlight, you may need to space your trees farther apart to prevent competition between them.

Additionally, if you live in an area with high winds, you may need to space your trees closer together to provide support for each other.

Conclusion

In conclusion, proper spacing of apple trees is important for optimal growth and yield. When determining the spacing of your trees, consider the mature size of the tree, the type of rootstock used, the training system used, and your local growing conditions. By taking all of these factors into account, you can plant your apple trees at the optimal spacing for your home orchard.