Tree Spacing Calculator
Calculate how many trees fit in a planting area based on area dimensions and the spacing between trees.
How to use this tool
- Enter the planting area length and width in feet.
- Enter the desired spacing between trees (centre to centre) in feet.
- The calculator returns trees per row, number of rows, and total trees needed.
Plan your orchard, windbreak, or landscape planting with the right tree count and layout.
Formula
Trees per row = floor(Area length ÷ Spacing) + 1
Number of rows = floor(Area width ÷ Spacing) + 1
Total trees = Trees per row × Number of rows
The +1 accounts for the tree at position zero (the starting edge of each dimension).
How it works
This calculator uses a square (grid) planting pattern, placing trees at equal intervals along both dimensions of a rectangular area. Adding one to each floored quotient counts the tree at the edge of each row and column, which would otherwise be missed by simple division.
Square spacing is straightforward to lay out with stakes and string. Triangular or offset-row patterns can fit up to 15% more trees per acre but require a different calculation. Results assume trees are planted starting from both boundaries of the area.
Worked example
Worked example
- Planting area: 100 ft long × 60 ft wide. Tree spacing: 20 ft.
- Trees per row = floor(100 ÷ 20) + 1 = 5 + 1 = 6.
- Number of rows = floor(60 ÷ 20) + 1 = 3 + 1 = 4.
- Total trees = 6 × 4 = 24.
Total trees: 24 (6 per row × 4 rows)
Key terms
- Spacing interval
- The center-to-center distance between adjacent trees, chosen to allow for mature canopy spread and root competition.
- Square planting pattern
- A grid layout where trees are placed at equal intervals in both directions, making row counts easy to calculate and mechanical access straightforward.
- Triangular (offset) planting
- Alternating rows are offset by half the spacing, nesting trees between those in the previous row to pack more plants per unit area.
- Canopy spread
- The mature width of a tree's crown; spacing should normally equal or exceed the expected spread to reduce competition for light.
Frequently asked questions
- How far apart should I plant trees?
- Spacing depends on mature tree size: fruit trees 10–20 ft, ornamental trees 15–25 ft, shade trees 20–40 ft, windbreak trees 6–10 ft. Check the mature canopy spread for your specific variety.
- How many trees fit per acre?
- At 20-foot spacing, approximately 109 trees fit per acre. At 10-foot spacing, about 436 trees per acre. Use this calculator for any custom area size.