How Far from Fence Should I Plant Fruit Trees?

Are you planning to plant fruit trees in your backyard but you’re not sure how close to your fence you should plant them? The distance you choose to plant your fruit trees from the fence is crucial for several reasons such as avoiding damage to the fence or overhanging branches, providing enough sunlight to the trees, and allowing enough space for proper growth. In this article, we will discuss the best distance to plant fruit trees from your fence.

Factors to Consider When Planting Fruit Trees Near Fences

Before you start planting your fruit trees, there are several factors you need to consider such as:

The type of fruit tree you want to plant.

The height and width of the mature tree.

The type of fence you have.

The proximity of the fence to your neighbor’s property.

The distance from the fence can vary depending on these factors. For example, an apple tree can be planted closer to the fence than a cherry tree due to the difference in height and width.

The Ideal Distance from Fence to Plant Fruit Trees

The ideal distance to plant fruit trees from the fence is around 15 feet, although this can vary depending on the factors mentioned above. It’s important to give your fruit trees enough space to grow and to prevent overhanging branches from damaging your fence or your neighbor’s property. Planting your fruit trees too close to the fence can also limit the amount of sunlight they receive, which can affect their growth and fruit production.

If you have a smaller backyard, consider planting dwarf fruit trees or keeping the trees pruned to a smaller size. This will allow you to plant them closer to the fence without compromising their growth or causing damage to the fence.

Planting Fruit Trees Against Fences

While it’s best to plant fruit trees away from the fence, some people choose to plant them against the fence for various reasons such as space limitations, aesthetics, or to act as a privacy screen. However, planting fruit trees against the fence can cause several problems:

Overhanging branches can damage the fence and make it difficult to maintain.

The tree may not receive enough sunlight due to shading from the fence.

The tree may not receive enough nutrients from the soil due to competition from the fence.

The roots may damage the fence or cause it to lean over time.

If you must plant your fruit tree against the fence, choose a dwarf or semi-dwarf variety and be prepared to prune it regularly to prevent overhanging branches from damaging the fence. You may also need to supplement the tree with extra nutrients and sunlight to ensure proper growth and fruit production.

Conclusion

Knowing how far from fence to plant fruit trees is important for their proper growth and to avoid damage to the fence or neighboring properties. The ideal distance to plant fruit trees from the fence is around 15 feet, although this can vary depending on factors such as the type of tree and fence. If you must plant your fruit tree against the fence, choose a smaller variety and be prepared to maintain it regularly. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh fruit without the worry of damaged fences or unhappy neighbors.