Apple tree spacing depends on several factors that influence growth, health, and fruit production. Rootstock size plays a key role, as it determines the tree’s mature height and spread. Dwarf apple trees typically need 6 to 10 feet of space, semi-dwarf trees require 12 to 15 feet, and standard trees need 18 to 30 feet. Other factors such as the cultivar, early pruning, and growing environment play key roles.
Pollination needs affect spacing, since most apple trees rely on nearby varieties for cross-pollination. Growth habit matters as well, with spreading trees requiring more room than upright or columnar types. Training systems, such as espalier, allow trees to grow closer together, often just 3 to 6 feet apart.
Soil fertility influences tree size, and fertile soil supports larger trees that may need more distance between them. Sunlight is another important factor, as trees spaced too closely can block light and reduce fruit quality. Adequate room is also needed for tools, equipment, and maintenance tasks like pruning, spraying, and harvesting. Proper spacing improves airflow, reduces disease risk, and supports healthy growth, making it essential for long-term orchard success.
Common apple tree spacing distances
Here are some common traditional spacing distances for apple trees:
- Dwarf apple trees: 8-10 feet apart
- Semi-dwarf apple trees: 12-15 feet apart
- Standard and own-root apple trees: 20-30 feet apart
Fruit trees can be particular about placement and soil quality, so plant your fruit trees accordingly. You want your apple trees to prosper and produce fruit year after year, so take all of the tips into consideration.
Continue reading to learn more about fruit tree spacing and how to plant apple trees.
How far apart to plant apple trees
Dwarf apple trees are typically planted 8-10 feet apart, as most varieties get 8-10 feet tall and wide. Semi-dwarf apple trees are typically planted 12-15 feet apart, as they are more likely to grow 12-15 feet wide. Standard apple trees are planted more like 20-30 feet apart.
In high-density orchards, specialty dwarf and semi-dwarf apple trees are spaced 2-3 feet apart and trained on posts and wires. This close spacing requires quite a bit of initial training, a support system (often post and wire), and regular pruning.
Consider your personal space before deciding which type of apple trees to plant or purchase. How much room you have on your lot or in your garden plays a big role in how far you space your trees. Planting fruit trees in an orchard differs from planting a few in the backyard.
“The spacing of trees depends on the rootstock, the cultivar, and the richness of the soil and availability of water. All these factors should be considered before deciding on your spacing.”
Hardy Apples: Growing Apples in Cold Climates, by Bob Osborne
Choosing a location for planting apple trees
Wherever you decide to plant your apple trees, make sure there is plenty of opportunity for cross-pollination. The trees should be planted in a spot with plenty of good sunlight and rich soil.
Space the fruit trees according to their rootstock tag recommendations to ensure surrounding plants won’t interfere with their growth. You’ll also want to put different varieties that are compatible “pollination partners” close to each other for the bees (typically within 100 feet, if not much closer). Also, consider leaving space for future planting if you wish to add to your space over time.
Which apple trees are self-pollinating?
Cross-pollination is a wonderful thing when it comes to fruit trees and citrus trees. Sometimes this isn’t an option, though, and you have to rely on self-pollinating trees.
There are relatively few apple trees that are self-pollinating and will make your life easier as you grow the tasty fruit.
Apple trees that are somewhat self-pollinating include:
- Golden Delicious apples
- Grimes Golden apples
- Chehalis apples
- Whitney crabapples
Can you plant different fruit trees beside each other?
Yes, you can typically plant different types of fruit trees next to each other, and you can plant different varieties of the same species together.
Fruit trees – especially apples – can do extremely well when planted near other varieties of the same species that flower at the same time. This allows for cross-pollination, which is vital for fruit set in most apple varieties.
Add a variety of delicious fruit options to your garden and space the trees as needed. You’ll have a lovely backyard orchard full of amazing produce if you follow this apple tree spacing guide!
What happens if you plant apple trees too close together?
When you plant your fruit trees too closely together, the tree canopies will crowd each other out as they compete for light. You can plant semi-dwarf trees as close as 2 feet apart if you train them into a “spindle” orchard, but unless you are dedicated to specialty training, stick to the spacing recommended on the tag as it will be specific to the rootstock used on that tree.
Apple tree spacing guide for trees rows
As you think about how to space your rows of fruit trees, think about how tall your trees will be. If your trees will max out at 15 feet, space your trees 15 feet in between each row. Add an additional 3 to 5 feet if you can to give them maximum space (and access to sunlight).
The spacing you use also depends on how large of a walkway you need and whether you need equipment to fix between the trees. This includes lawnmowers, wagons, trucks, and more. This is a general rule for apple tree spacing guide information.
What should not be planted near apple trees or other fruit trees?
Many fruit trees do just fine when planted near one another, but some need to be kept far apart. When you go to plant fruit trees, consider the following.
- Do not plant apples or apricots with peppers or walnuts.
- Avoid planting blackberries, nectarine trees, or pears with raspberries.
- Keep blueberries, cherries, corn, grapes, and melons away from tomatoes and eggplants.
- Peach trees don’t do well with plums or raspberries.
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