How to calculate the tree-hectares or tree-acres in an orchard

A useful guide for growers that will help them compare the yields or performances of different existing orchards, or help them plan new ones, is now available on line.

It allows a simple calculation of ‘tree acres/hectares’ described as the area occupied by the trees in an orchard which of course differs from the total acreage of a field.

It differs from the field or OS acres (ha), as it does not include unplanted areas, roadways, headlands, buildings, ponds etc.and is often found to be about 12% less than the field acres (ha) in formerly arable or grass fields of a regular shape.

Tree acreage is a useful measurement when comparing the yield or performance of different orchards, and is always the figure that should be used when calculating spray and fertiliser application rates.


Tree-hectares calculation

Total no. of trees x row width (metres) x tree distance within row (metres)
                                 10,000 (no. of sq. metres in a hectare)

i.e. 2560 trees planted at 5.5 metres x 2.75 metres = 3.87 tree-hectares




Tree-acres calculation

Total no. of trees x row width (feet) x tree distance within row (feet)
43560 (no. of sq. ft in an acre)


i.e. 2560 trees planted at 18’ x 9’ = 9.52 tree-acres

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