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Why Tree Spacing Matters in Garden Design

Why Tree Spacing Matters in Garden Design

Spacing decides whether trees thrive or struggle. Practical guidelines and species-specific advice for hedges, screens and feature trees.
Garden DesignPlanting GuideTree Spacing

Spacing is one of the most rewarding decisions in garden design. Get it right and trees develop into their best form. Generous spacing sets each tree up for decades of easy growing.

Why spacing matters

Tree health

Generous spacing lets each tree access plenty of sun, water and nutrients. Proper spacing allows each tree to develop a strong root system and stable branch structure for decades of easy growing.

Natural form

Trees grow into their best shape when given room. Tight spacing pushes trees taller and narrower; generous spacing produces balanced rounded crowns.

Aesthetic balance

Good spacing creates rhythm and intent in the design.

Spacing for common species

Ficus microcarpa var. hillii (Hill's Weeping Fig)

1-1.5m spacing for a dense hedge. 2-3m for a row of feature trees.

Hillii hedge spacing

Waterhousea floribunda

1m for hedge, 3m for screen, 5m for individual trees.

Waterhousea screen

Murraya paniculata

750mm-1m for tight low hedge. 1.5m for shaped individual shrubs.

Murraya foundation planting

Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong)

8-10m spacing for full crown spread.

Practical tips

  • Plan for mature size.
  • Match spacing to purpose.
  • Stagger rows for denser hedges.
  • Account for root spread.

FAQs

How do I work out the right spacing?
Match spacing to mature width and to purpose.

Can I plant closer for a dense screen?
Yes, with more regular pruning to keep each tree in shape.

What if trees are planted close together?
Regular pruning keeps them in balance. For looser maintenance, plant to mature width.

Compare at a glance

CultivarHeightWidthFormFoliageBest if you…
Ficus microcarpa var. hillii
Hill's Weeping Fig 		6-10m (can be pruned to desired height)3-5mDense, roundedGlossy dark green leavesTall hedges, screening, dense privacy
Waterhousea floribunda
Weeping Lilly Pilly 		6-10m (can be pruned to desired height)3-5mDense, weepingGlossy dark green weeping foliageHedging, screening, privacy planting
Murraya paniculata
Orange Jasmine 		2-3m (can be pruned to desired height)1.5-2mDense, roundedGlossy mid green leavesFragrant hedges, low screening, foundation planting
Brachychiton populneus
Kurrajong 		10-15m5-8mBottle-shaped trunk, broad crownGlossy green poplar-shaped leavesFeature tree, shade tree, dry sites
Ficus microcarpa var. hillii

1. Ficus microcarpa var. hillii (Hill's Weeping Fig)

Fast dense hedging fig that needs the right spacing to thrive. Allow plenty of room above and below ground.

Type
Evergreen screening tree
Height
6-10m (can be pruned to desired height)
Width
3-5m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Glossy dark green leaves
Form
Dense, rounded
Conditions
Full sun to part shade. Tolerates most soils once established.
Maintenance
Trim 3-4 times a year for a tight hedge.
Best for
Tall hedges, screening, dense privacy

Why choose it

Ficus Hillii at 1-1.5m spacing creates a continuous hedge fast. Wider spacing produces individual trees.

Perfect pair

Pair with a Magnolia Little Gem as the feature tree alongside.

Tips for planting

Keep clear of pipes and pools. Root system is vigorous.

Spacing decides whether Hillii is a hedge or a row of trees.

Shop Ficus microcarpa var. hillii
Waterhousea floribunda

2. Waterhousea floribunda (Weeping Lilly Pilly)

Plant at 1m for a dense hedge or 3m for a row of feature trees. Spacing changes the whole design outcome.

Type
Evergreen native screening tree
Height
6-10m (can be pruned to desired height)
Width
3-5m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Glossy dark green weeping foliage
Form
Dense, weeping
Conditions
Full sun to part shade. Moist, well-drained soil.
Maintenance
Trim 2-3 times a year for hedge form.
Best for
Hedging, screening, privacy planting

Why choose it

Spacing decides whether you get a hedge wall or specimen trees.

Perfect pair

Plant a Magnolia x soulangeana as feature tree in front.

Tips for planting

1m for hedge, 3m for screen, 5m for individual trees.

Match the spacing to the look you want.

Shop Waterhousea floribunda
Murraya paniculata

3. Murraya paniculata (Orange Jasmine)

Aromatic compact shrub for low hedges. Plant 750mm-1m apart for a tight hedge or 1.5m for individual shrubs.

Type
Evergreen flowering shrub
Height
2-3m (can be pruned to desired height)
Width
1.5-2m
Growth rate
Moderate
Foliage
Glossy mid green leaves
Flowers
Jasmine-scented white flowers
Form
Dense, rounded
Conditions
Full sun to part shade. Well-drained soil.
Maintenance
Low. Trim 2 times a year.
Best for
Fragrant hedges, low screening, foundation planting

Why choose it

Tight spacing creates a fragrant continuous hedge. Wider spacing gives shaped individual shrubs.

Perfect pair

Plant under a Magnolia x soulangeana for layered planting.

Tips for planting

Trim after flushing for best flower set.

Murraya is the go-to low fragrant hedge.

Shop Murraya paniculata
Brachychiton populneus

4. Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong)

Bottle-shaped trunk and broad crown. Kurrajong needs 8-10m spacing to spread out fully.

Type
Evergreen native feature tree
Height
10-15m
Width
5-8m
Growth rate
Moderate
Foliage
Glossy green poplar-shaped leaves
Flowers
Cream bell flowers in summer
Form
Bottle-shaped trunk, broad crown
Conditions
Full sun. Drought tolerant once established.
Maintenance
Very low.
Best for
Feature tree, shade tree, dry sites

Why choose it

Brachychiton spreads. Cramming it in too tight defeats the feature look.

Perfect pair

Pair with a Waterhousea floribunda hedge alongside.

Tips for planting

Allow at least 8m from buildings and other trees.

Kurrajong delivers character if you give it room.

Shop Brachychiton populneus

Frequently asked questions

How do I work out the right spacing?
Match spacing to mature width and purpose.

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