Determining the proper spacing for Christmas trees is one of the most important decisions when establishing a successful plantation. Proper spacing is the single most important factor that determines the quality of the final harvestable tree and the farm’s operational efficiency. The distance between trees affects sunlight capture, air circulation around the needles, and maintenance ease during the seven-to-ten-year growth cycle. The choice balances maximizing the number of trees planted per acre with ensuring each tree has enough room to develop the full, symmetrical shape consumers expect.
Industry Standard Spacing and Density
The industry uses standard spacing measurements, expressed as the distance between trees within a row multiplied by the distance between rows. A common configuration is six feet by six feet, which allows for approximately 1,210 trees per acre. This density is calculated by dividing the square footage of an acre (43,560 square feet) by the square footage of the spacing (36 square feet).
Some growers opt for tighter spacing, such as a five-foot by five-foot grid, increasing the density to about 1,740 trees per acre. While this maximizes the tree count, it impacts tree quality and farm management. Increased density restricts airflow around the lower branches, creating a microclimate that raises humidity and increases the risk of fungal diseases.
A wider spacing, like six feet by seven feet, reduces the density to roughly 1,037 trees per acre. However, it offers better light penetration to the lower canopy, which is necessary for dense, healthy branch development. This configuration also provides more working space for tasks like shearing and pest control. Choosing a standard spacing balances the desire for a high yield with the need to produce high-quality trees.
Species-Specific Growth Considerations
The chosen tree species dictates the final adjustment to standard spacing due to distinct growth habits and mature canopy widths. Species with naturally wide, fast-growing canopies require more space than those with a compact, slower growth rate. This ensures trees do not prematurely crowd each other, which results in sparse, poorly formed lower branches.
For instance, the popular Fraser Fir is known for its dense branching and moderate growth rate, allowing it to thrive in a slightly tighter arrangement, such as five-foot by five-foot. In contrast, species like Scotch Pine grow quickly and develop a wider canopy, often requiring a minimum of six feet by six feet, or even seven-foot by seven-foot spacing to reach market size without crowding. This wider spacing, which allows for about 888 trees per acre, accommodates the mature width of the species. Understanding the mature size and sunlight requirements of a species is paramount to ensuring the tree retains its full, marketable shape.
Practical Row Width for Equipment Access
Beyond the tree’s biological needs, the practical necessity of accommodating farm machinery is a major factor in determining the distance between rows. The space between planting rows must be wide enough to allow tractors, mowers, sprayers, and harvesting equipment to pass without damaging the trees’ lower limbs. While the spacing within the row is based on canopy width, the spacing between rows is often dictated by the equipment’s footprint.
A general rule is that the space between rows should be at least two feet wider than the mowing deck or the widest part of the tractor being used. This extra clearance prevents the machinery from brushing against and breaking the lower branches, which are essential for a full, symmetrical tree. Most farm operations require a minimum row width of six to eight feet to safely maneuver equipment throughout the plantation. This operational requirement often becomes the limiting factor in overall tree density.