Straight rows are the easiest to work with equipment.
There are four main methods of arranging trees in an orchard. Depending on terrain, soil conditions, moisture and other conditions, different growers may opt for further variation on the four basic configurations. Tree spacing should be determined by the specific type of tree planted. Don't forget to leave a large turn-around area at the end of your rows for any equipment you may use. Does this Spark an idea?
Square or Rectangle
The square or rectangle layout is the most basic arrangement of orchard trees. A tree stands in each corner of the square or rectangle, essentially forming very regularly spaced rows. The rectangle is a variation on the square that allows more space between the trees in one direction. This layout offers easy access for cultivation.
Quincunx
A quincunx consists of four trees at the corners of a square with one tree in the middle. The tree at the center of the quincunx is a temporary tree, or filler. A temporary tree is planted in an orchard only to cultivate for the first several years, until the permanent trees reach their full production potential, at which time the temporary trees are removed to free up more resources like sun and water for the permanent trees.
Hexagon
In a hexagon configuration, one tree is placed at the center of six more equidistant trees. Arranging orchard trees this way makes maximum use of space. If the trees become overcrowded, some of them must be thinned but the irregular pattern makes it difficult to achieve proper spacing when removing the temporary trees. Also, this arrangement is less accessible to equipment than straight rows so it may be inconvenient for large orchards.
Contour
Contour planting is a technique that growers use in areas that are vulnerable to erosion like hillsides. Trees planted in parallel rows that contour around a landscape help control erosion and retain moisture. Terraces are also a form of contour planting.
Tags: orchard trees, permanent trees, square rectangle, temporary tree, temporary trees, tree planted
