The European hazelnut is the common source of hazelnuts, also called filberts. In addition to producing delicious nuts, they are valued for their ornamental value. The moderately fast-growing plant forms a multi-trunked shrub or small tree with a suckering growth habit. Men’s flowers, called catkins, appear on the same plant in late winter or early spring, before the leaves do. At different times, these flowers are made by different plants. For the pollination to take place, two different varieties of European hazelnuts are needed. The nuts ripen in late August and September.
European hazelnuts should be planted during their dormancy period, preferably in the late winter or early spring.
If you want to add hazelnut trees to your landscape for ornamental interest or nut production, proper spacing is key. Overcrowding trees stresses them and reduces yields. On the other hand, planting too far apart limits pollination. So what is the ideal distance for spacing hazelnut trees?
When deciding how far apart to plant hazelnut trees, consider the mature size of the variety and your overall goals. With some forethought and smart planting techniques, you can grow thriving, productive hazelnut trees.
Understanding Hazelnut Tree Spacing Needs
Hazelnuts, also known as filberts are multi-stemmed shrubs or small trees that produce edible nuts enclosed in leafy husks. Common varieties planted for nut production include American hazelnut (Corylus americana) and European hazelnut (Corylus avellana).
No matter the type, hazelnuts need proper spacing for good pollination and air circulation. They are wind-pollinated, so planting too far apart reduces nut set. Planting too close together increases disease and pest problems due to lack of air flow.
Hazelnuts develop extensive root systems and tops that can reach 15-20 feet wide at maturity, Providing adequate elbow room helps trees establish strong roots and allows you to access the trees for maintenance and harvest
Recommended Distances for Planting Hazelnut Trees
Most horticulture sources recommend spacing hazelnut trees 15-18 feet apart. This gives enough space for good cross-pollination while allowing air circulation. Some specifics for different planting purposes:
- Nut orchards: Space trees 15-18 feet apart in rows 15-18 feet apart.
- Hedgerows: Space trees 3-6 feet apart in single or double rows.
- Specimen trees: Allow at least 15-20 foot spread.
- Pollinator pairs: Plant different varieties 8-12 feet apart.
Adjust spacing to suit your soil fertility and irrigation. Trees planted in richer soils or with irrigation may need wider spacing than 15 feet. Monitor growth and adjust future plantings accordingly.
Planting Tips for Properly Spaced Hazelnut Trees
When planting hazelnuts at the recommended spacings, follow these tips:
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Dig wide, deep holes to fit the root systems. Hazelnuts have spreading “J-shaped” roots.
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Set new trees at the same soil level as in the nursery pot. Hazelnut roots grow close to the surface.
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Space pollinator pairs (two different varieties) close enough for wind transfer of pollen, generally 8-12 feet apart.
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For hedgerows, space seedlings 3-6 feet apart in rows 6-12 feet apart.
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Water new transplants thoroughly to settle soil and eliminate air pockets around roots.
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Mulch around trees to conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds. Pull any weeds that emerge.
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Stake only if needed to prevent wind tipping of top-heavy nursery trees.
Achieving Proper Tree Spacing in Existing Hazelnut Plantings
If you already have crowded or unevenly spaced hazelnut trees, you can take steps to improve their growing conditions:
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Gradually remove every other tree in crowded rows to open up spacing.
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Where trees are too close together, transplant some to other areas rather than removing them.
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Prune outer branches that interlace between trees to improve air flow in the center. Avoid over-pruning.
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Control weeds and grass between trees to reduce competition for water and nutrients.
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Fertilize stressed trees in spring with balanced organic fertilizer to strengthen them.
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Monitor for pests like mites, scale, and filbert worm if trees are overcrowded.
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Improving drainage and pruning lower branches also helps with air circulation issues.
Key Benefits of Proper Tree Spacing
Giving hazelnut trees adequate elbow room through proper planning and spacing provides some important benefits:
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Trees develop stronger, deeper root systems.
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Good air circulation reduces foliar disease risks.
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Trees get adequate sunlight exposure.
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Makes pruning, harvesting, and maintenance easier.
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Improves pollination and nut production.
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Lessens drought stress and irrigation needs.
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Allows monitoring and early pest detection.
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Enables each tree to reach its full mature size.
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Eliminates overcrowding and cross-branching issues.
Incorporating Hazelnuts Into Landscapes with Limited Space
Don’t have room for widely spaced hazelnut trees? You have some options:
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Plant dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties that mature at 10 feet or less.
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Grow as a large shrub and prune to keep compact.
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Plant in a large container and restrict root growth. Transplant every few years.
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Try the multi-stemmed American hazelnut rather than tree forms.
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Combine with other plants in mixed borders or edible landscapes.
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Use pruned branches from mature trees for hazel supports and other rustic crafts.
No matter how you incorporate them, give hazelnuts sufficient growing room to thrive. With smart planning and planting techniques, you can successfully grow hazelnuts even in smaller spaces.
The Takeaway on Hazelnut Tree Spacing
Providing proper spacing when planting hazelnut trees prevents overcrowding and reduces pest and disease issues. Allow 15-18 feet between trees in orchards and specimen plantings for good pollination and air circulation. Adjust spacing as needed based on soil fertility, variety, and irrigation. With adequate room, hazelnut trees develop beautiful forms that provide ornamental interest and produce bumper crops of delicious nuts.
How to Plant Hazelnut Trees
Plant trees during their dormancy in the late fall or early spring.
Hazelnut Tree Plant Care
A hazel tree that is placed where it gets full sun for most of the day will produce the most flowers and nuts, if that is what you want. It will tolerate part shade as well, but you will see a decrease in flower production.
Raintree Nursery’s Hazelnut Growing Guide
FAQ
How much space does a hazelnut tree need?
How many years does it take for a hazelnut tree to produce fruit?
What is the row spacing for hazelnuts?
Where is the best place to plant a hazelnut tree?
How do you plant a hazelnut tree?
The most common way to plant hazelnuts is to purchase seedlings from a nursery. These are young trees usually one to three feet tall. Plant them 20 feet apart in full sun. Dig a large hole, at least twice as large as the root ball so that the roots can get off to a good start.
How far apart should hazelnut trees be planted?
If you have more room in your garden, hazelnut trees are ideal for creating a small orchard. You can place the trees about 15 feet apart so that they have plenty of room to grow. You can also create a grove of various varieties to help with pollination.
How long does it take to grow a hazelnut tree?
Hazelnuts are also called filberts. They are nutritious and are a good protein source. The good news is you can grow your own. Hazelnut trees take around 3 – 4 years to bear fruit and up to 8 – 9 years if you grow the plant from seed. Patience will pay off with a hazelnut harvest. It is important to grow more than one hazelnut tree.
How much space does a hazelnut need?
Temperatures below 15 degrees F. (-9 C.) after the flowers bloom can cause crop loss. Hazelnuts need 15 to 20 feet (4.5-6 m.) of space to spread. They adapt to almost any soil as long as it is well-drained, but perform best in a soil with plenty of organic matter.