Analyze Site Conditions and Microclimates
1 weekendMap sun exposure, wind patterns, slope, and existing vegetation across the planting area.
Field context
This workflow is part of 3 niche fields
Complete guide for food forest design — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
Map sun exposure, wind patterns, slope, and existing vegetation across the planting area.
Place canopy trees, understory, shrubs, herbaceous, ground cover, root, and vine layers.
Surround each fruit or nut tree with dynamic accumulators, insectaries, and ground covers.
Year 1: support species and shrubs; Year 2: understory; Year 3: canopy trees and vines.
Calculate spacing between canopy, understory, and shrub layers based on mature plant sizes.
Layout companion plant guilds around each central tree with correct spacing radii.
Estimate nitrogen contribution from support species to reduce external fertilizer needs.
Verify companion plant distances within guilds for optimal mutual benefit.
Typical spacing by canopy layer.
| Layer | Examples | Spacing (m) | Mature Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canopy | Oak, walnut | 6–10 | 8–15 m |
| Understory | Apple, persimmon | 4–6 | 4–6 m |
| Shrub | Currant, hazelnut | 2–3 | 2–3 m |
| Herbaceous | Comfrey, yarrow | 0.5–1 | 0.3–1 m |
A 100 m² food forest teaches guild design before scaling to acreage — mistakes are cheaper small.
Plant nitrogen fixers and dynamic accumulators one year before fruit trees — soil improves while you wait.
Research every species for invasiveness in your region — some permaculture favorites become noxious weeds.