How Far Apart To Plant Evergreen Trees

Planting evergreen trees is a fantastic way to add year-round structure and privacy to your landscape. Getting the spacing right is the single most important decision you make after choosing the species. This guide will explain exactly how far apart to plant evergreen trees for optimal health and growth.

Correct spacing prevents a host of problems. Trees planted too close compete fiercely for water, sunlight, and nutrients, leading to stunted growth, dead lower branches, and increased susceptibility to disease. Giving them adequate room from the start ensures they develop strong, symmetrical forms and live long, healthy lives.

There is no universal number for evergreen spacing. The perfect distance depends on the mature width of the specific tree you’ve chosen. Your goal is to space them so their branches will lightly touch at maturity, creating a cohesive screen while still allowing for air circulation.

Standard Spacing Guidelines by Tree Type

Use these general rules as your starting point. Always double-check the mature spread for your specific cultivar, as it can vary widely.

Large Evergreens (Spruces, Pines, Firs): These giants often reach 20-40 feet wide. Space them 15-25 feet apart, measured from trunk to trunk. For a more open woodland feel, you can go even wider.
Medium Evergreens (Arborvitae, Junipers, Cedar): This popular group for screening matures to 8-15 feet in width. A spacing of 6-12 feet apart is typical for a dense hedge.
Small Evergreens (Dwarf Conifers, Boxwood): Perfect for foundations or low hedges, these grow 2-6 feet wide. Space them 3-5 feet apart to allow them to grow together gently.

The Formula for Perfect Spacing

For a precise calculation, follow this simple two-step formula.

Find the Mature Width: Look up the expected mature spread of your tree variety. This info is on the plant tag, at the nursery, or from a reliable gardening source. Let’s say your chosen Arborvitae matures to 10 feet wide.
Apply the Rule: For a solid screen, take half of the mature width from each tree. (10 ft / 2 = 5 ft). Plant them so their trunks are 5 feet apart. This means their foliage will meet at maturity. For a more staggered, natural look, add 2-3 feet to this number.

Spacing for Privacy Screens vs. Specimen Trees

Your purpose changes the spacing. A standalone specimen tree needs room to showcase its full, natural shape. Plant it at a distance equal to or greater than its full mature width from any structure or other large tree.

For a privacy hedge, you plant closer. The trunks are spaced closer than the full mature width so the branches interlock. Remember, even in a screen, slight spacing for air flow is better than planting them right on top of each other.

Step-by-Step Planting Process

Once you’ve calculated your spacing, proper planting ensures success.

Call Before You Dig: Always contact your local utility locating service (call 811 in the US) at least a few days before planting. This is crucial for safety.
Mark Your Locations: Use stakes or flags to mark the exact center point for each tree based on your spacing calculation. Step back and look at the layout.
Dig the Hole: The hole should be 2-3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. The top of the root ball should be slightly above the surrounding soil level to account for settling.
Plant and Backfill: Place the tree in the hole. Backfill with the native soil you removed, gently tamping it down to remove large air pockets. Avoid amending the soil excessively, as this can discourage roots from expanding into the native ground.
Water Deeply: Create a small soil berm around the edge of the rootball to form a watering basin. Soak the area thoroughly immediately after planting.
Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch (like wood chips) around the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk itself. This conserves moisture and regulates soil temperature.

Common Spacing Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s what to watch out for.

Planting for Instant Gratification: It’s tempting to plant small trees close for an immediate “full” look. This always backfires in 5-10 years, leading to crowded, unhealthy trees that require expensive removal.
Ignoring Power Lines and Buildings: That cute sapling can grow into a 60-foot monster under a power line. Know the mature height and plant accordingly.
Forgetting About Root Systems: Evergreen roots systems can be extensive and shallow. Planting to close to sidewalks, driveways, or foundations can cause damage as the roots grow.
Neglecting Air Circulation: Dense, damp foliage from overcrowded trees is a magnet for fungal diseases like blight or needle cast. Good spacing allows breezes to dry the foliage.

Long-Term Care After Planting

Proper aftercare is just as important as correct spacing. Your new trees need consistent water for the first two years, especially during dry periods. A deep soaking once a week is better than frequent light sprinklings.

Fertilize lightly in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for evergreens. Avoid heavy fertilization, which can cause weak, rapid growth. Pruning is usually minimal; only remove dead or damaged branches and lightly shape if needed in late winter.

FAQ: Your Spacing Questions Answered

What if my evergreens are already planted too close?
You have a couple options. You can remove every other tree, which is hard but best for the remaining trees health. Alternatively, you can practice aggressive pruning to keep them in check, but this is an ongoing, demanding task.

Can I plant evergreens in a straight line?
Yes, for a formal hedge. For a more natural, wind-resistant screen, consider a staggered double row. This looks fuller and provides better privacy.

How does soil quality affect spacing?
In poor, rocky, or very dry soil, trees may grow slower and smaller. You might get away with slightly closer spacing, but it’s still safer to use the standard mature width as your guide. In extremly fertile soil, they may grow larger than expected.

When is the best time to plant evergreen trees?
Early fall is ideal, giving the roots time to establish before summer heat. Early spring, as soon as the ground is workable, is the next best time.

How much space between an evergreen and a fence?
Plant at least half the tree’s mature width away from the fence. For a tree that will be 12 feet wide, plant the trunk 6 feet from the fence line. This prevents the tree from engulfing the fence and allows for maintenance.

Taking the time to research your tree’s mature size and calculate the correct spacing is the greatest gift you can give your landscape. It saves you money, labor, and heartache down the road. With the right plan, your evergreens will thrive for decades, providing beauty and structure exactly as you envisioned.