How Far Apart to Plant Columnar Apple Trees

Columnar apple trees are a popular choice for gardeners who want to grow an apple tree but have limited space. These trees grow tall and thin, often reaching heights of up to 10 feet but only extending a few feet in width. One question that often arises when growing columnar apple trees is how far apart they should be planted from one another.

Spacing Considerations

The spacing between columnar apple trees largely depends on the cultivar and the desired outcome. Typically, columnar apple trees should be planted about 2-3 feet apart from one another. This allows for sufficient growing space and ensures that the trees don't become overcrowded as they mature. However, if you have a small space or only want to grow one or two trees, you can plant them much closer together, even as little as 18 inches apart.

It's important to remember that columnar apple trees are self-pollinating, which means they can produce fruit even if they're planted alone. However, if you're planting multiple trees, it's always a good idea to leave enough space between them to allow for airflow and sunlight penetration, which can help prevent diseases and ensure healthy growth.

Consider Mature Size

When planting columnar apple trees, it's important to consider their mature size. Even though these trees are thin, they can still grow up to 10 feet tall, so you'll want to leave enough space for them to reach their full height without becoming overcrowded. Additionally, the root systems of columnar apple trees can spread out quite a bit, so it's important to provide enough space between them to prevent root competition and ensure proper nutrient uptake.

You should also consider the size of the fruit the tree will produce. Some columnar apple tree cultivars produce smaller fruit, which means you can plant them closer together. However, if you're growing a cultivar that produces larger apples, you'll want to give them more space to ensure that they have enough room to mature properly.

Other Factors to Consider

When deciding how far apart to plant columnar apple trees, there are other factors to consider as well. For example, if you're planting them in a standard garden bed, you'll want to make sure that you leave enough space for other plants and features in the garden. Alternatively, if you're planting them in containers or raised beds, you'll want to make sure that you have enough space for the trees and their root systems to grow properly.

It's also important to consider the amount of sunlight and water the trees will receive. Columnar apple trees need full sun to grow and produce fruit, so you'll want to make sure that you plant them in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Additionally, you'll want to make sure that the trees receive sufficient water, which means planting them in well-draining soil or providing adequate irrigation.

Conclusion

When it comes to planting columnar apple trees, the spacing largely depends on the cultivar and desired outcome. However, a spacing of 2-3 feet between trees is generally recommended, with larger spacing recommended for larger trees or orchards. Regardless of the spacing, it's important to provide enough growing space to ensure that the trees receive enough sunlight and water, and that their root systems don't become overcrowded or compete for nutrients.