Planting trees too close together might look fine at first… but as they grow, overcrowding can cause serious problems.
Branches can tangle, roots may compete for nutrients, and the trees might never reach their full shape.
This Tree Spacing Calculator helps you plan ahead by estimating the ideal distance between trees based on their expected size.
Just pick a general size category or enter the mature canopy spread if you know it.
The tool will suggest how far apart to plant each tree for healthy growth and good airflow.
Whether you’re planting a privacy row, designing a backyard grove, or adding shade trees, this takes out the guesswork.
🌳 Tree Spacing Calculator
Different tree species grow in different ways — some stay compact, while others spread wide.
Spacing trees properly helps avoid future issues like crowded canopies, tangled branches, and root competition.
Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
- Small trees (like dogwoods or redbuds) need around 10–15 feet between them.
- Medium trees (like maples or crabapples) do best with 20–30 feet.
- Large trees (like oaks or sycamores) need at least 30–50 feet.
If you're unsure what category your tree falls into, try looking up its mature spread — or just use the custom option above and let the calculator handle the math.
Proper spacing keeps your trees healthy, helps them grow strong, and makes your outdoor space easier to enjoy over time.
❓ FAQ: Tree Spacing Calculator
Why does tree spacing matter?
Trees that are planted too closely can suffer from poor airflow, weak structure, and uneven growth.
They may also compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients — which can stunt development.
How is the spacing calculated?
The calculator uses average spacing guidelines based on the expected mature canopy spread.
For custom entries, it multiplies the spread by about 1.25 to give the minimum safe distance between each tree.
What’s considered a small, medium, or large tree?
- Small trees: Usually stay under 20 feet wide (e.g. redbuds, dogwoods).
- Medium trees: Grow 20–35 feet wide (e.g. serviceberries, most maples).
- Large trees: Spread over 35 feet wide (e.g. oaks, sycamores, elms).
Can I plant trees closer than the recommended spacing?
You can — but it’s not ideal.
If you do, be prepared to prune more often and deal with more root competition as they mature.
Does this apply to planting next to buildings or fences?
No — this calculator is for tree-to-tree spacing.
For buildings or fences, you should generally plant at least half the mature spread away from the structure.
What if I’m planting different species together?
Use the larger tree’s spread to determine spacing — this helps ensure neither tree gets crowded.
Want me to prep this content as a downloadable block, plugin, or reusable shortcode for your site? I can also help design a printable tree spacing cheat sheet if that’s useful!