The iconic baobab tree, with its massive trunk and sprawling canopy, makes a striking addition to any landscape. But properly spacing these majestic giants is key to ensuring their health and allowing them room to reach their full potential. When planting multiple baobab trees, how much space should you leave between each one?
Native to the hot, arid regions of Africa the baobab tree (genus Adansonia) is one of the most distinctive plants in the world. Often called the “tree of life” baobabs can grow to enormous sizes and live for thousands of years.
These trees are very well adapted to their native environments. Their fat fire-resistant trunks store huge amounts of water. Their root systems spread widely to capture sparse rainfall. And their branching patterns and leaf orientation maximize sun exposure in open savannas.
Baobabs produce large, fragrant flowers after reaching maturity. These blossoms open at night and are pollinated by bats and bush babies. The resulting egg-shaped fruits contain kidney-shaped seeds that are dispersed by animals like baboons.
Spacing Considerations for Baobab Trees
When planting baobab trees, proper spacing is crucial to prevent overcrowding and allow each specimen to thrive. There are several factors to keep in mind:
Mature Size – Baobabs can grow enormously wide and tall. Accounts vary, but they can reach heights over 90 feet and trunk diameters over 30 feet. Leave plenty of space for growth.
Root Spread – A mature baobab’s roots may extend twice as far as its branch spread. Their roots also intertwine with neighboring trees. Space baobabs far enough apart to accommodate this.
Branching Habit – Unlike most trees, baobabs grow outward, not upward. Their branches extend horizontally, so they need open space around their canopies.
Water and Nutrient Needs – Baobabs require a lot of water and soil nutrients. Space them so their root zones don’t overlap and compete.
Fruit Drop – The large fruits shed by mature baobabs take up space beneath the trees. Allow room for fruit collection without crowding.
Aesthetics – For visual appeal, space baobabs so their unusual forms stand out individually. Avoid crowded clumps.
Recommended Baobab Spacing
Most sources recommend spacing baobab trees at least 60-100 feet (18-30 meters) apart. This allows their canopies, roots, and fruit loads ample room to spread over time. However, you can plant them slightly closer together when they are young.
Here are some baobab spacing guidelines:
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Seedlings – Space new baobab seedlings 15 feet (4.5 meters) apart. This prevents crowding while allowing time to decide which trees to eventually remove.
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Young Trees – Allow at least 30-40 feet (9-12 meters) between young saplings once established. Thin extra trees at this stage.
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Mature Trees – Space mature baobab trees 60-100 feet (18-30 meters) apart for ideal growing conditions and visual impact.
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Orchards – For baobab orchards, space trees in a grid 40-60 feet (12-18 meters) apart. Wider spacing reduces crowding.
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Avenues – Along roads and paths, space specimen baobabs 60-100 feet (18-30 meters) apart for a striking visual avenue.
Other Tips for Planting Baobab Trees
When establishing baobab trees, utilizing the proper spacing is just one aspect of success. Here are some other considerations:
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Choose fast-draining sites with full sun exposure for best growth.
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In areas with wet summers, plant on slopes or raised beds to prevent waterlogging.
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Amend soil with compost to provide nutrition for establishing trees.
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Water young trees regularly until their root systems expand.
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Stake saplings initially to protect against wind and animals.
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Remove weeds and grass within several feet of each trunk.
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Allow space for irrigation lines if you live in a drier climate.
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Mulch around trees to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Leave space between trunks and mulch.
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Control pests like mealybugs that can infest baobabs. Check regularly.
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Prune early on to shape strong branching structure and prevent hazards.
Special Spacing Situations for Baobabs
In some situations, you may need to adjust the spacing between your baobab trees:
Containers – In pots, space baobabs based on container size. Allow several feet between small pots, up to 15-20 feet for very large specimens.
Bonsai – Miniaturized baobabs can be positioned as close as 2-3 feet apart. Ensure bonsai trees get proper pruning and shaping.
Indoors – Inside, space potted baobab saplings 4-6 feet apart near sunny windows. Give them ample room to grow.
Urban Gardens – Limit baobab numbers in small gardens. Space trees 10-20 feet apart for manageable size.
Rural Plantings – On larger rural properties, space baobabs further apart – up to 100 feet for full growth potential.
Fencelines – Use single baobabs as living fence posts. Space trees far enough apart to cover fencelines when mature.
The Importance of Proper Baobab Spacing
Giving baobab trees adequate space may require patience initially, but it pays off long-term by promoting health and beauty. Appropriate spacing:
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Prevents trees from crowding each other as they expand.
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Allows room for their extensive root systems to spread outward.
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Minimizes competition for water, nutrients and sunlight.
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Provides space for their massive trunks and far-reaching branches.
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Gives their fruits space to fall below without piling up.
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Reduces hazards like falling limbs as trees age.
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Allows for future maintenance access around trees.
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Lets each baobab stand out as an individual architectural specimen.
So be sure to plan baobab spacing wisely right from the start. This amazing tree is well worth the extra space!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baobab Spacing
Proper baobab tree spacing raises lots of questions for growers. Here are some commonly asked queries:
How close can I plant baobab seedlings together?
You can start baobab seeds or seedlings as close as 8-10 feet apart. This lets you select the best trees over time to retain.
Will baobabs grow well if planted too close together?
Baobabs may survive when planted too densely but will become crowded and compete for resources. Growth will be compromised.
Can I plant a hedge using close-spaced baobab trees?
Baobabsbranching habit and mature size make them impractical for planting as a hedge. They require much wider spacing.
What if I don’t have enough space to properly space my baobab trees?
Limit your number of baobab trees based on your available space. Crowding them will reduce their health and growth over time.
Can baobabs be spaced close together in a grove planting?
Even for groves, baobabs need wider spacing than other trees – at least 60-80 feet between trunks at maturity.
What should I do if my baobab trees were planted too close together?
If possible, transplant extra trees to a better spaced location. Otherwise, prune trees regularly to minimize crowding issues.
How close can I plant a baobab to a house or other structure?
Leave at least 30 feet between a baobab tree and any building or structure to prevent potential root and structural damage.
Achieving the Perfect Baobab Spacing
The baobab’s enormous potential size and spreading, space-hogging growth habit mean that spacing is especially critical. Allow enough room between your trees to ensure they have the space they need to fully develop into the majestic baobab giants they are destined to become. With proper planning and patience, you’ll be rewarded with a baobab orchard or avenue that is both breathtaking and healthy for generations to come.
General information about the Baobab Bonsai tree
The grey-brown bark is between five and ten centimeters thick and can protect the tree from minor bush fires. The branches are strong and clunky and carry a wide canopy. Without leaves, the crown looks like a root system which has contributed to the legend that the devil has planted the baobab tree upside down. Baobabs drop their leaves periodically and produce new foliage shortly before the start of the rainy season. First simple elliptic leaves appear and after a short time they fall off again, followed by hand-shaped leaves with 5 to 9 leaflets. Older trees can produce large white flowers which hang from the branches on long stalks. The flowers have an unpleasant smell. Baobab fruits are edible.
For bonsai, the baobab is an unusual but very interesting species which is not difficult to care for if its basic needs are fulfilled. As a pot plant or bonsai tree the baobab grows very slowly and it can take many years to make good progress. If you need help identifying your tree, take a look at our Bonsai tree identification guide.
Baobab Bonsai Care guidelines Placement
The Baobab always needs a warm environment and is very sensitive to cold temperatures. It must be taken into the house as soon as the temperatures fall below 12° C / 54° F. If you cant provide a place with at least six hours of full sunlight a day, it is advisable to use grow lights and keep them shining on the baobab tree for 16 hours a day. Watering
Baobabs can store water in their trunks and only need to be watered about once a month during the growing season. When they are dormant, dont water them at all. Too much watering can cause root rot and kill the tree. Continue reading about watering Bonsai trees.
Feed the baobab with liquid fertilizer every month in half concentration when it is time to water. Too much fertilizer can damage the roots. Pruning and wiring
The branches of the baobab can be pruned at any time. Cut the ramification back in shape before the new leaves appear. New shoots can be trimmed when they grow too long. Younger branches and twigs can be wired if necessary, but most styling should be done with scissors. Continue reading about pruning Bonsai trees. Repotting
Repot the baobab every two years in spring. Prune the roots by one third and remove all damaged or dead roots. Use a well-draining soil mix with some humus. Continue reading about repotting Bonsai trees. Propagation
The baobab Bonsai is easily propagated from seed, but can also be grown from cuttings. For more detailed information on these techniques, try our Bonsai tree care section. Pests and diseases
Aphids and spider mites can attack the baobab, especially when it is kept in the house. Use a specific pesticide as soon as you discover these pests. For more detailed information on these techniques, check out our Bonsai tree care section.
Baobab Bonsai (Adansonia digitata), photo by Balconygardenweb