Cherry trees, including large sweet varieties and smaller tart types, are a rewarding addition to any garden or orchard. The initial planting distance is the most important decision determining the long-term health, productivity, and yield of these trees. Proper spacing is a fundamental horticultural practice that directly influences light exposure, air circulation, and resource availability. Establishing the correct distance from the start is necessary because mature cherry trees cannot be easily relocated or shrunk to correct inadequate planning.
Determining Final Tree Size
The spacing required for a cherry tree is determined by its anticipated mature size. This size is dictated by the rootstock, which is the root system and lower trunk onto which the cherry cultivar is grafted. The rootstock determines up to 90% of the tree’s final height and canopy spread, making it the primary factor in planting calculations. Trees are categorized by the growth habit of their rootstock: standard, semi-dwarf, or dwarf.
Standard rootstocks, such as Mazzard or Mahaleb, produce the largest trees, often reaching 30 to 40 feet tall with an equally wide canopy. These vigorous systems are traditionally used for large-scale production. Semi-dwarf rootstocks, like Gisela 6, Gisela 12, or Colt, reduce the tree size to about 60% to 80% of a standard tree. This creates a more manageable size for home growers while still developing strong anchorage.
Dwarf rootstocks, such as Gisela 5, provide the most significant size control, yielding trees that are often only 40% to 50% the size of a standard tree. This smaller size allows for easier harvesting and pruning. However, these highly dwarfing rootstocks often require permanent staking or support due to their reduced root structure and the heavy fruit load they can bear.
Standard Spacing Guidelines by Cherry Type
The minimum distance between trees must account for the differences between sweet and tart cherry types. Sweet cherries, such as Bing and Rainier, exhibit a vigorous, upright growth habit, demanding more space for their expansive canopies. A standard sweet cherry tree on a vigorous rootstock requires 25 to 40 feet between trees to ensure full canopy development. Semi-dwarf sweet cherry trees, common for home orchards, should be spaced approximately 18 to 25 feet apart.
Dwarf sweet cherry trees, grown on highly dwarfing rootstocks, can be planted closer, generally requiring 10 to 15 feet of space between trunks. In contrast, tart or sour cherries, such as Montmorency, are naturally smaller and exhibit a more rounded, bushy growth habit. Standard tart cherry trees typically require 15 to 20 feet of separation.
Dwarf tart cherry varieties can be spaced as closely as 8 to 12 feet apart. These measurements represent the minimum distance needed to allow for the mature spread of the canopy and adequate root development. Planting at these distances ensures the trees receive sufficient light and nutrients without competing with their neighbors.
High-Density Planting Techniques
While standard guidelines allow a tree to reach its full natural size, high-density planting techniques intentionally restrict tree size to maximize yield in a smaller footprint. This approach relies on highly dwarfing rootstocks and aggressive annual pruning, resulting in a system distinct from traditional orchard management. Commercial growers often utilize systems like the tall spindle, which trains the tree to a single central leader with short, productive side branches.
In these intensive systems, trees are often planted extremely close together, sometimes 6 to 10 feet between trees within a row. To maintain this close spacing, the rows must be separated, often 12 to 15 feet apart, to allow equipment access and sunlight penetration. Another technique, the Kym Green Bush (KGB) system, uses multiple vertical leaders on a semi-vigorous rootstock, requiring severe heading cuts to maintain a manageable, bush-like form.
These high-density methods demand a high level of management and specific training from the first year. The tight spacing works only because the grower actively limits the tree’s natural growth through constant pruning and training, preventing canopies from overlapping and competing for resources. Without this specific intervention, trees planted this closely would quickly become unproductive and prone to disease.
Impacts of Improper Spacing
Failing to provide enough space for a cherry tree is the most frequent planting error and leads to several physiological and pathological problems. When trees are planted too closely, their mature canopies overlap, significantly reducing sunlight penetration to the lower branches and interior. This lack of light inhibits fruit bud development, resulting in sparse or poorly colored fruit on the lower two-thirds of the tree. The dense, overlapping foliage also impedes air circulation, which is a factor in controlling fungal diseases.
Poor air movement creates a continuously moist environment within the canopy, fostering ideal conditions for pathogens like Brown Rot and powdery mildew. These fungal infections can severely reduce fruit yield and quality, often requiring frequent chemical treatments.
Furthermore, when root systems compete in a restricted area, they compete fiercely for finite soil nutrients and water, diminishing the overall vigor of the trees. Conversely, planting trees much farther apart than necessary results in inefficient land use and a lower yield per acre. Excessive distance can also slightly reduce the efficiency of cross-pollination for self-unfruitful varieties, though this is less common than overcrowding issues.