Get the perfect layout for privacy, airflow, and long-term plant health

Why Proper Spacing is Crucial

• Prevents overcrowding

• Reduces disease pressure

• Supports better airflow & sunlight penetration

• Ensures root systems develop without competition

• Avoids future removal or heavy pruning

How to Determine Planting Distance

Spacing is based on mature width, not current container size.

General formula:
→ Spacing = mature width ÷ 2 (for hedges, reduce slightly for faster fill-in)

Recommended Spacing by Planting Type

1. Privacy Hedges (Bay Area Standard)

Typical spacing:

• Podocarpus: 3–5 ft apart

• Italian Cypress: 3 ft apart

• Leyland Cypress: 5–7 ft apart

• Pittosporum: 3–4 ft apart

• Photinia: 4–6 ft apart
  Closer spacing = faster privacy
  Wider spacing = fewer plants, slower fill-in

2. Fruit Trees

• Standard trees: 12–18 ft apart

• Semi-dwarf: 8–12 ft apart

• High-density / Backyard orchard style: 3–6 ft apart (requires pruning)

3. Ornamental Shrubs

General spacing:

• Small shrubs (2–3 ft mature width): 2 ft

• Medium shrubs (3–5 ft mature width): 3–4 ft

• Large shrubs (5–8 ft mature width): 4–6 ft

4. Trees for Shade or Structure

• Small landscape trees: 10–15 ft

• Medium trees: 15–25 ft

• Large canopy trees: 25–40 ft

Spacing Tips for Bay Area Conditions

• In windy coastal zones, allow additional space for sway.

• In clay soils, avoid crowding—root rot occurs more easily.

• For drip irrigation, spacing should allow emitters to reach root zones efficiently.

• When planting near fences, leave 2–3 ft clearance for maintenance.