When Planting New Tree, How Much Space Should I Leave Between Each Tree?

This is a question that Vacaville Tree Service is often asked so we decided, let’s blog about it. On the surface this seems like it would be an easy to answer question. But it is not. The simple answer is, it depends. It depends on the type of trees you are planting. It depends on the tree growth. And it depends on what you want as a business or homeowner. Each variable just mentioned must be taken in to consideration. A granular approach and understanding the implications to each question is the best way of determining the most appropriate planting scenario. You may want a tree, shrub, or bush to act as a weather or privacy barrier. If so, you would want your trees to be planted as close together as possible. But based on the species and growth expectations is this feasible? You may want a tree to provide morning or afternoon shade but planting a tree too close to your home can be detrimental to your property. You may want to plant a fruit tree in a certain area but that area on your property may not get the necessary light for the tree to thrive let alone survive. That is why is it so important to consult a certified tree arborist when deciding on what and where to plant.
We live by a motto here at Vacaville Tree Service and that is love thy neighbor but make sure your neighbor is not too close. The reason we like a little space in between our trees is because when trees are too close in proximity, the health of one tree can be jeopardized. Survival of the fittest deems that when resources become scarce, for example when one tree is too close to the next, one tree will outshine the other and possibly leave little to no nutrients for the other tree. This can result in tree death or diminished tree growth.
What does Vacaville Tree Service Recommend? When deciding between what types of trees you would like to plant, you really need to look twenty to thirty years down the road. How big will this tree get? How many feet will this tree grow per year? How wide will this tree be when it has matured? These are all good valuation metrics when determining appropriate trees for your home or business. It is also a good way to ensure you avoid unnecessary risks or issues in the future.
Vacaville Tree Service also has some tips on spacing that you should consider. We all want to live in harmony and peace. So do trees. A couple surefire ways to ensure your trees harmonize are:

• Do not plant trees to close to you home. Tree roots can grow under your home disrupting your foundation. Trees themselves can encroach on to your home causing many problems.
• Before planting make sure you are aware of the location of underground water mains and sewer systems as well as noting and avoiding power lines.
• Do not plant a tree too close to a retaining wall because the root system can disrupt the integrity if said wall.

When you choose a tree to plant, it is a good idea to consult a certified arborist. Or, at the minimum look up the tree species and find out what is the recommended spacing and what is the maximum height and width at maturity. This will at least give you a general idea of where you should put your new tree.
If you are in need of a good resource for tree care, we highly recommend Arbor Day Foundation (https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm). The information they provide is extremely valuable when it comes to tree care. To investigate typical tree height in urban areas, please visit https://www.arborday.org/trees/righttreeandplace/size.cfm for more information.
We hope that you have found this information useful. If you need a Vacaville Tree Service do not hesitate to contact us.

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