Many inexperienced gardeners like to plant the small, delicate apple tree too close to other trees - and then have a space problem in a few years when the tree has grown into an impressive tree. So that you don't have to laboriously move the tree later, we recommend maintaining a planting distance depending on the species and variety.
What distance should fruit trees be from each other?
The optimal distance for fruit trees depends on their growth habit: bush trees on weakly growing rootstocks require 2-2.5 meters, on medium-growing rootstocks 2.5-3 meters. Half trunks require 4-5 meters and tall trunks up to 10 meters of space.
Don’t plant fruit trees too close together
The important planting distance is particularly important so that the trees can develop he althily and bear rich fruit. Trees planted too closely are prone to various diseases, especially fungicidal diseases. These occur because the tree is not sufficiently ventilated. The label usually already recommends a planting distance that should be strictly adhered to - even if it initially seems a bit ridiculous due to the small size of the tree. By the way, not only does the crown of the fruit tree need enough space to grow, the roots also need to be able to spread. Many types of fruit are shallow-rooted, whose roots can grow many meters wide.
Recommended planting distances for selected fruit trees
If you consider that a normal apple or pear tree can develop a crown that is up to ten meters wide, the large planting distances become more understandable - especially given the fact that strong-growing fruit species and varieties have difficulty coping with the Keep the scissors under control. Incidentally, walnut trees require a particularly large amount of space, their crowns measuring 15 meters or more in diameter when they are old.
Recommended minimum distances for pome fruit:
- Bush trees on weakly growing rootstocks: two to two and a half meters
- Bush trees on medium-growing rootstocks: two and a half to three meters
- Half-trunks: four to five meters
- High trunk: up to ten meters
Recommended minimum distances for stone fruits:
- Bush trees on weakly growing rootstock: two and a half to three and a half meters
- Half-trunks: four to five meters
- High trunk: eight to twelve meters
By the way, sweet cherry trees also grow very quickly - and reach a considerable crown diameter within just a few years.
Make sure the limit distance is correct
So that there is no trouble with the neighbors, you should also maintain the minimum distance from your garden neighbor's property. The regulations regarding border distances are not uniformly regulated in the federal states because there are different laws and regulations. If you want to be sure, ask the responsible authority.
Tip
If you have a small garden, you prefer to choose fruit varieties or dwarf varieties that have been grafted onto weakly growing rootstocks. Columnar fruit trees that only produce a few side shoots are very suitable for both small gardens and pots.
