Tree Spacing Calculator
Calculate tree count and spacing for an orchard, windbreak, or privacy screen from plot dimensions.
Returns row count and total trees.
Tree spacing determines long-term orchard productivity, airflow, sunlight penetration, and ease of harvest. Incorrect spacing causes competition for nutrients, disease spread, and structural crowding as trees mature.
Grid planting (rectangular):
Trees per Acre = 43,560 / (Row Spacing × In-Row Spacing)
Triangular/hexagonal planting (denser, 15% more trees):
Trees per Acre = 43,560 / (Row Spacing × In-Row Spacing × 0.866)
Worked example — Apple orchard:
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Standard spacing: 20 ft × 20 ft
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Trees per acre: 43,560 / (20 × 20) = 108.9 → 108 trees/acre
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High-density dwarf spacing: 10 ft × 3 ft
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Trees per acre: 43,560 / (10 × 3) = 1,452 trees/acre
Recommended spacing by rootstock/tree type:
| Tree Type | Spacing | Trees/Acre |
|---|---|---|
| Standard apple / pear | 25 × 25 ft | ~70 |
| Semi-dwarf apple | 15 × 12 ft | ~242 |
| Dwarf apple | 10 × 3 ft | ~1,452 |
| Standard cherry / walnut | 30 × 30 ft | ~48 |
| Peach / nectarine | 18 × 20 ft | ~121 |
| Citrus (orange, lemon) | 15 × 20 ft | ~145 |
Canopy clearance rules:
- Leave at least half the mature canopy diameter between trees for light penetration
- Allow 10–15 feet from fences and structures for root and canopy room
- Plant rows north to south to maximize sun exposure on all sides
Soil prep tip: Dig planting holes 2–3× the width of the root ball, backfill with native soil (not amended compost alone), and water deeply at planting.
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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