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LANDSCAPE DESIGN, CONSULTING AND PLANNING SERVICE & PLANT FURNISHING
LANDSCAPE DESIGN, CONSULTING AND PLANNING SERVICE & PLANT FURNISHING

Fruit Tree Plant Guide - Lehua's Forest

PLEASE NOTE These are general instructions. Many unforeseen variants may arise regarding soil health and location. We do NOT recommend planting your own trees. For best possible results, have your tree/plant installed by a landscape installers. Contact ut to be in touch with an installer at lehuasforest@gmail.com


🍑 How to Plant a Fruit Tree (General Guide)

🌞 1. Pick the Perfect Spot

  • Sun: Full sun — at least 6–8 hours daily.

  • Drainage: No standing water — fruit trees hate soggy roots.

  • Airflow: Good air circulation helps prevent diseases.

🕳️ 2. Dig the Hole

  • Dig a hole 2–3x wider than the root ball but no deeper.

  • Rough up the sides so roots can grow outward.

  • If soil is hard clay or compacted, consider mounding or raised beds.

🌱 3. Prep the Tree

  • Remove the tree from its pot.

  • Tease out circling roots.

  • Trim any damaged roots if needed.

🪴 4. Planting

  • Set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above ground level.

  • Backfill with native soil (or a 50/50 mix with compost if your soil is poor).

  • Press soil in gently — no air pockets.

💧 5. Water Well

  • Water deeply after planting.

  • Keep soil evenly moist (but not soggy) for the first few months.

🍂 6. Mulch Magic

  • Mulch 2–3" thick, about 2–3 feet out from the trunk.

  • Keep mulch 2–3 inches away from the trunk to avoid rot.

🌿 7. Aftercare

  • Water: First year is critical. Water 1–3x a week, depending on weather and soil.

  • Fertilizer: Wait 2–3 months, then use a gentle, organic fruit tree fertilizer.

  • Prune: Light pruning for structure. Remove any suckers or weak branches.

 

SPACING:

Spacing is super important for airflow, sunlight, and long-term tree health — especially in a home orchard or permaculture-style food forest.

🌳🍊 Recommended Fruit Tree Spacing (for 3+ Trees or an Orchard)

🔸 Standard Spacing (Full-Size Trees)

  • 20–30 feet apart

  • Good for trees like mango, avocado, jackfruit, breadfruit, large citrus

  • Allows for full canopy growth, easier maintenance

🔸 Semi-Dwarf Trees

  • 12–18 feet apart

  • Works for smaller varieties or pruned trees (e.g. guava, sapote, ice cream bean)

  • Good for tighter orchard-style layouts

🔸 Dwarf/Mini Trees

  • 6–10 feet apart

  • Perfect for compact or espaliered trees

  • Great if you’re pruning to keep them small, like a tropical hedge

🍃 Other Spacing Tips:

  • Sunlight: Keep rows or trees staggered so they don’t block each other’s sun.

  • Airflow: Avoid crowding — airflow helps prevent mold, mildew, and pests.

  • Pruning? If you plan to keep trees small, you can plant closer (even 4–6 ft apart) in high-density style and manage with regular pruning.

🌺 Layout Ideas

  • 🌿 Triangle spacing (aka "hexagonal") lets you fit more trees while keeping space efficient.

  • 🌴 Guild planting: Plant trees with companion herbs or groundcovers (like comfrey, lemongrass, sweet potato) in the space between.