How Far Apart Should You Plant Trees?

One of the most common questions gardeners ask is simple: how far apart should trees be planted?

Spacing trees correctly is really important for healthy growth. Trees planted too close together often compete for light, water and nutrients. This can lead to poor shape, weak growth and overcrowding as they mature.

In this guide, we explain how to space trees properly in UK gardens, from small ornamental varieties to larger shade trees.

Short On Time? Read Our Tree Spacing Summary

As a general rule, tree spacing should reflect the mature spread of the canopy.

Typical spacing guidelines are:

• Small ornamental trees: 3 to 4 metres apart  
• Medium garden trees: 4 to 6 metres apart  
• Large shade trees: 8 to 12 metres apart  
• Woodland style planting: 1.5 to 2 metres apart  
• Native hedging: 30 to 45 cm apart  
• Evergreen screens: 60 to 90 cm apart  

A helpful rule is to space trees at least equal to their mature canopy spread, or up to 1.5 times the spread if you want a clear gap between crowns.

Why Tree Spacing Is Important

Correct spacing helps trees develop strong root systems and balanced crowns. When trees are planted too closely, several problems can occur.

The first is competition for light. Trees will stretch upwards rather than outwards when crowded, which can lead to thin, poorly shaped growth.

Roots can also compete for water and nutrients. This is particularly important in smaller gardens where soil resources are limited.

Overcrowding may also increase the risk of disease and poor air circulation, especially when branches begin to rub against one another.

Planning proper spacing at planting time prevents these issues and allows trees to mature naturally.

Spacing Small Ornamental Trees

Small ornamental trees are often ideal for typical UK gardens. These trees provide blossom, autumn colour or attractive bark without overwhelming the space.

Examples include:

• Crab apple (Malus)  
• Amelanchier
• Small Japanese maples
• Compact ornamental cherries  

These trees are best spaced around 3 to 4 metres apart. This distance allows their crowns to expand fully while still maintaining a sense of enclosure within the garden.

When planted closer than this, branches may eventually rub together and the trees may lose their natural shape.

Spacing ornamental trees correctly also ensures that sunlight can still reach lawns, borders and other plants beneath them.

Spacing Medium Garden Trees

Medium sized garden trees often provide blossom, berries or seasonal colour while still remaining manageable in suburban spaces.

Typical examples include:

• Rowan (Sorbus)  
• Many flowering cherry varieties  
• Smaller birch cultivars  
• Some ornamental pears  

For these trees, aim for 4 to 6 metres between trunks.

This spacing allows each tree to develop a well balanced canopy while still maintaining good light levels in the garden. It also gives room for underplanting with shrubs, bulbs or perennials.

In smaller gardens it is usually best to plant one or two medium trees rather than several close together.

Spacing Large Shade Trees

Large shade trees such as oak, lime and sycamore eventually develop very broad crowns and extensive root systems.

These trees should ideally be spaced 8 to 12 metres apart from other large trees.

In many suburban gardens this means planting only one large tree rather than several.

Large trees should also be positioned carefully in relation to buildings, boundaries and neighbouring properties. Mature trees can cast significant shade and may affect nearby planting if they are placed too close together.

Where space is limited, choosing a smaller species or cultivar is often the best long-term solution.

Woodland and Wildlife Style Planting

If you are creating a mini woodland or wildlife area, the spacing approach is different from ornamental garden planting.

Native species such as birch, hazel, rowan and hawthorn are often planted closer together to mimic natural woodland structure.

Spacing of around 1.5 to 2 metres between plants is common when planting young whips.

Planting in a slightly irregular pattern rather than straight rows creates a more natural appearance.

Closer spacing helps young trees support each other and encourages faster canopy closure. As the woodland develops, weaker trees may be pruned or thinned out to allow the strongest specimens to thrive.

This approach also helps suppress weeds and provides better habitat for wildlife.

Spacing Hedges and Screening Trees

When planting hedges or screening trees, the goal is usually to create a dense barrier rather than individual specimen trees.

Spacing therefore depends on the species used and how quickly you want the hedge to fill out.

Typical spacing includes:

• Native hedging species such as hawthorn or blackthorn: 30 to 45 cm apart, often planted in a double staggered row  
• Evergreen screening plants such as laurel, Portuguese laurel or photinia: around 60 to 90 cm apart  
• Conifer screens such as Leylandii: approximately 60 to 100 cm apart  

In small gardens it is usually best to choose the wider spacing within these ranges. This helps reduce future maintenance and prevents overcrowding.

A Few Considerations For Tree Spacing

While spacing guidelines are helpful, several practical factors should also be considered before planting.

Garden boundaries

Planting large trees directly beside a fence or boundary can lead to disputes with neighbours as the tree matures. Leaving several metres between the trunk and the boundary reduces future problems.

Sunlight and shade

In smaller or north-facing gardens, large trees planted close to the house can reduce light levels indoors and in the garden. Position larger trees carefully so they do not overshadow key areas.

Roots and underground services

Avoid planting large trees directly above drains, soakaways or very close to house foundations. Trees such as willow, oak and poplar in particular need generous space for their root systems.

Mature spread

Always check the expected mature spread on the plant label. This is one of the most reliable ways to determine spacing. As a simple guide, allow at least the same distance between trees as their mature spread.

Common Tree Spacing Mistakes

Many planting problems arise simply from underestimating how large a tree will become. We know we've certainly made this mistake before.

One common mistake is planting several trees close together because they appear small when first planted. Over time the canopies overlap and the trees compete for space.

Another issue is planting large species in small gardens where there is not enough room for their mature crown.

Plan for the future size of the tree, not what it looks like now.

Final Thoughts from Us

Planting trees with the correct spacing is one of the most important steps in creating a healthy, balanced garden.

Small ornamental trees generally require around 3 to 4 metres of space, medium garden trees around 4 to 6 metres, and large shade trees 8 metres or more. Woodland and hedge planting often follow different spacing rules depending on the desired effect.

Taking time to plan the layout of your trees before planting ensures they have enough room to grow, develop strong root systems and reach their full potential.

If you are unsure about spacing for a specific tree species, checking the mature spread and considering the size of your garden will usually point you in the right direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should trees be planted in a garden?

In most UK gardens, small ornamental trees should be planted about 3 to 4 metres apart, medium garden trees about 4 to 6 metres apart, and large trees at least 8 metres apart.

How far should a tree be planted from a house?

Small trees can usually be planted around 3 to 5 metres from a house, while larger trees should be positioned further away to prevent shading and potential root issues.

Can trees be planted closer together?

Trees can be planted closer together for woodland planting or hedging. In these cases, spacing may be around 1.5 to 2 metres for woodland trees or 30 to 90 cm for hedging species.

What happens if trees are planted too close together?

Trees planted too closely often compete for light and nutrients. This can lead to poor shape, weaker growth and increased risk of disease as branches begin to overlap.

How do I know the correct spacing for my tree?

The best guide is the mature spread listed on the plant label or nursery description. Spacing trees roughly equal to their mature spread usually allows enough room for healthy growth.