friut tree planting question

[MyKidLuvsGreenEgz]

The distances between trees recommended is mostly that aimed at commercial growers, to maximise size, yields and allow access for tractors, but many trees can be planted a lot closer, as long as their size is controlled by pruning. When growing your own, it is more important to utilise the space available to provide a variety of fruit, harvests over a longer period and yields that are adequate for your needs. Closer planting will reduce the trees ability to grow large and will make it easier to prune, net against birds and harvest. We have planted 40+ fruit trees which are about 10 foot apart and they are all growing well and hopefully will be fruiting within the next couple of years.

I second this motion. Recommended spacings are usually based on root length and have nothing to do with how rich the soil is or how well the plants will do. For example, asparagus roots can be layered on top of eachother with the crowns as close as four inches apart, not the recommended one and half feet. Intensive gardening is the only way to be somewhat self-sufficient on an acre or less. Humus-enriched soil, mulching and pruning, espailer techniques, dwarf varieties; all can be used to maximize fruit production in the home orchard.

Agreed.

There are many many different sized fruit trees from semi-dwarf which may only need 8 feet between trees to dwarfs (about 10) and up on. Plus there are some cylindrical/columnar trees that take only a few feet and have almost no branches but produce a lot of fruit from the "base" ... check out http://www.starkbros.com/products/fruit-trees/peach-trees/crimson-rocket-columnar-peach ... Can even be potted. They also have apple trees that do that.

 

[the funny farm6]

These will also be used as shade trees- that is the reason for full size trees.

We could have dug and replanted trees from our woodline but I prefer trees I can get food from.

 

[pinkfox]

if your going for shade too id probably still go with 20ft if your going to let them do thier thing...planted closer together gives you mre trees for the space but it also requires heavier maintence so that they can continue to grow healthily in a smaller space, doesnt seem like this is realy nessicary in your case if your planitng for "usefull shade" rather than soley for fruit production.

 

[David Harritz]

Yes, for the fruit planting you have required a good quality seeds which will be grow very fast in the environment. This is a very nice thing that you are ready to plant a food plant. Here it is also provide a good amount of fruits after a long time.