What Happens If You Plant Fruit Trees Too Close Together?
Dwarf Trees
When fruit trees are just starting out, they can grow fairly close together without any problems. Their roots are shallow, their trunks are short and their branches do not meet. Some backyard gardeners and others with a limited space actually prefer to grow their fruit trees about half as far apart as commercial grows. These gardeners select dwarf trees, prune them carefully and keep them from growing into their neighbors. This allows them to squeeze a large number of trees into a small space.
Problems
If the fruit trees do grow tall, however, close planting can cause problems. The trees create too much shade, preventing light from penetrating to the lower branches. The trees can form a canopy which stifles are circulation under the leaves. This can encourage the growth of fungii and reduce the production of fruit, potentially damaging or ruining the fruit harvest. It may also be impossible to get vehicles between closely planted fruit trees, making it difficult and time-consuming to harvest the fruits.
- When fruit trees are just starting out, they can grow fairly close together without any problems.
- If the fruit trees do grow tall, however, close planting can cause problems.
Grafting
Sometimes, fruit trees too close together can actually become grafted naturally. The wind causes their branches to rub together, causing a particular spot to rub bare on each tree. The trees ooze out sap from the wound and press together even tighter as they both continue to grow. Eventually, two different fruit trees can actually heal together, become one tree with two trunks.
Place To Plant Fruit Trees
Fruit trees, like the majority of plants, don't like soggy soil. The roots require oxygen to survive. Plant them in well-drained soil. Dig the hole and fill with water; if it takes more than 60 minutes to drain, you'll have to add sand to increase the drainage or siphon the water away from the tree roots with a French drain or other method. An alternative is to choose another location that is on a higher level. Fruit trees such as plums, peaches, apples and cherries all require a certain number of hours between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit to produce flowers. Some varieties are more cold tolerant than others. Fruit trees may self-pollinate, which means no other variety is required, or need cross pollination with another fruit tree. Exactly how close depends on the variety.
- Sometimes, fruit trees too close together can actually become grafted naturally.
- Fruit trees may self-pollinate, which means no other variety is required, or need cross pollination with another fruit tree.
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Writer Bio
Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has over five years experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.
