Tree Spacing

80sDiesel

I am planting a 90 metre border of downy birch and Alder. Its not so much of  a shelter belt but of framing the area from a state spruce plantation and to have some native trees on the land 

Thinking 3 rows with spacing of 7 metres. So.. first row beside stone wall...12 trees spaced 7 meters apart, next  meters of 12*7 and 3rd 12*7.   7 meters spaceing between rows.

X          X          X              1st Row
       X         X            X      2nd Row
X         X          X               3rd Row

Is 7 metre spacing too much ?

Vittu

80sDiesel wrote: »

I am planting a 90 metre border of downy birch and Alder. Its not so much of  a shelter belt but of framing the area from a state spruce plantation and to have some native trees on the land 

Thinking 3 rows with spacing of 7 metres. So.. first row beside stone wall...12 trees spaced 7 meters apart, next  meters of 12*7 and 3rd 12*7.   7 meters spaceing between rows.



X          X          X              1st Row
       X         X            X      2nd Row
X         X          X               3rd Row

Is 7 metre spacing too much ?

In commercial forestry they would be planted 2 x 2 to force the trees to compete with each other for light and as a result grow tall and straight. 7m spacing will give lower wider trees. 2 x 2 will use more trees but provide a better wall. Consider some holly as its evergreen and will provide a screen in winter with food for birds. Hazel and scots pine also have a great look and will improve to overall look later in years with the addition of food for wildlife

Hares and rabbits can do damage when trees are young and small. If trees are small when going in they will need vegetation control also, chemical or hand cleaning.