Work out orchard tree spacing instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Square planting fits 10,000 / (row x tree spacing) trees per hectare. Triangular or hexagonal layout packs about 15.5% more trees into the same spacing by offsetting alternate rows, and paired hedgerow systems gain further by narrowing within-pair spacing while keeping machinery alleys.
Tree density
Trees per ha = 10,000 / (row spacing x tree spacing) x layout factor (square 1.0, triangular 1.155, hedgerow 1.25)
High density gives earlier yield per hectare but needs dwarfing rootstocks, trellising and disciplined pruning. Planting a vigorous rootstock at high density leads to shading, poor fruit colour and disease within a decade.
North-south in most latitudes for even light interception on both canopy faces. Across the slope on sloping ground takes priority over light for erosion control.