How to calculate tree spacing
trees per hectare = 10,000 ÷ (row spacing × in-row spacing, in metres)
For example, M9 dwarfing rootstock on a central-leader system defaults to 1.5m in-row spacing with 4m between rows: 10,000 ÷ (4 × 1.5) = 1,667 trees per hectare. In feet, that's roughly 4.9ft × 13.1ft — about 675 trees per acre (43,560 ÷ (13.1 × 4.9)).
Rootstock is what actually moves that number. A vigorous rootstock needs more room to spread, so it plants at lower density; a dwarfing rootstock stays compact and lets you plant tighter for a much higher tree count on the same block.
Equipment width is the other real-world constraint. Row spacing that looks fine on paper can still be too tight for the tractor or sprayer you actually own once the canopy fills in — the calculator checks this for you.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter your block's width and length.
- 2Pick your rootstock and training system — or set your own spacing if you already know it.
- 3Enter your equipment width so the tool can flag any row that's too tight to drive.
- 4Read your results: tree count, density, and a pollination check if partners are needed.
Understanding your results
- Equipment collision warning
- If your rows are flagged, it means the mature canopy width will close the drive alley below your equipment's width. That's not just a planting-day problem — it's every spray pass and harvest run for the life of the block.
- Pollination check
- Some varieties need a compatible partner nearby to set fruit reliably. A triploid variety needs two partners, not one — its own pollen is sterile, so it can't return the favour to a partner planted just for it.
- Nursery order list
- Exact tree quantities for your chosen cultivar, including any required pollinators — ready to copy straight into an order with your nursery.
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should apple trees be planted?
It depends on rootstock and training system — dwarfing rootstocks like M9 can go as tight as 1–1.5m in-row with 3–3.5m rows, while vigorous or standard rootstocks need considerably more room. Use the calculator above to get a figure for your exact rootstock.
How many trees per hectare is normal for a commercial orchard?
Modern high-density dwarfing systems can exceed 2,500 trees per hectare (just over 1,000 per acre); traditional standard plantings sit closer to 200–400 per hectare (roughly 80–160 per acre). The right number depends entirely on rootstock, spacing and your equipment.
Do I need a pollination partner?
Many apple varieties do, and a few — including several heritage varieties — produce sterile pollen and need two compatible partners planted nearby, not one. The calculator flags this automatically for your chosen variety.
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