Not every tree fits in every garden, because the bigger a tree gets, the more space it requires. This is why it is so important to adhere to the planting distances recommended by the gardener: If the tree is too large for its location, there is a risk of it being cleared or having to be transplanted in a complicated manner.
What distance should trees be when planting?
The correct planting distance for trees is important to give them enough space to grow and to avoid disease and neighborhood conflicts. Rule of thumb: Trees up to 2 meters high need at least 50 cm from the property line, taller trees at least 1 meter. The recommended planting distance can be found on the planting label.
Why the right planting distance is so important
Anyone who buys young trees in a tree nursery or garden store often tends to plant the small tree in a location that is much too small - after all, it is difficult to imagine that this small specimen will one day grow into a large, can become a mighty tree. You will therefore always find information about a recommended planting distance on the planting label, so that even the fully grown tree will have enough space later. Trees that are too close together tend to get sick quickly. They also hinder the growth of other plants and, depending on their growth rate, can displace them themselves. Therefore, before planting, measure the correct distance from the closest plant/structure to the main orThe middle shoot of the new tree is enough.
Plan plant spacing for hedges correctly
Hedges are generally planted more densely than individual trees. Here the plants should ultimately grow together and thus provide a natural privacy screen. Basically, depending on the type and variety of plant, plan between two and five trees per linear meter. Measure the recommended planting distance from center shoot to center shoot. If the hedge is fenced in, you will need fewer plants: Here you not only have to plan the distance between the plants, but also the distance between the fence and the plants. Otherwise the trees could be crushed by the fence or wall. “Free” hedges, on the other hand, are planted directly from centimeter 0, which is why you have to plan for at least two additional plants.
Don't forget: keep your distance from the limit
In addition to the correct planting distance, which serves the well-being and growth behavior of the tree, you also have to pay attention to the correct boundary distance and strictly adhere to it - after all, trees and other trees that are too close to the property line are one of the most common neighborhood conflicts Germany. How large this distance must be is regulated by law - in every federal state and for many trees in detail. As a rule of thumb: trees and bushes up to two meters high must be at least 50 centimeters from the property line, taller trees at least one meter.
Tip
Incidentally, it is not the height of the young tree that is used as the basis for calculating the correct limit distance, but rather the probable height of the later fully grown specimen.
