Effect of Tree Density on the First Ten Years of Growth and Production of ‘Washington’ Navel Orange Trees1

Abstract

Abstract High density planting of tree crops has the potential of increasing yield and income during the early years of an orchard’s life. Eleven different planting densities of citrus were studied over a 10-year period to determine the effect of tree spacing on yield, tree growth, root distribution, nutrition, and economic factors involved. Extremely close plantings soon crowded to the point where they were unmanageable and tree removal became necessary. Pruning was needed to maintain a workable orchard in more moderatley spaced plots.