how far away from thuja hedge should I plant a tree

Hi

I have an old thuja hedge 8 feet tall and I want to plant a juneberry (amelanchier candensis) tree near the hedge. How far away to plant so that I don't make the hedge not thrive or something. I was planing to plant it 3 feet away ? Is that too close?

You have to take into consideration that the Thuja Hedge that has obviously been growing strong and healthy for many years to be of the size it has reached, will have roots that are spread out more than 3 feet for it to be standing up-right to the achieved hight.

I would therefore think planting a shrub that fruits like June-berry would not survive or if it does, be of poor state that it would be a shame to put it through that type of stress by having it fight against the hedge taking all the goodness and moisture from the soil
and possible even light. however, if you feel you really need the June-berry to be planted near that area, then I would distance it even further from the hedge, at the planting area I would add as much Humus as possible to the planting hole for the shrub, this will help add feed, air and hold moisture for longer allowing the shrub to take up some moisture when watered. It would be a good idea to sink a couple of clear plastic emprty juice containers to the planting hole about a feet half away from the shrub roots (remove the bottom of container and sink it narrow end down)
this will allow you to fill the containers up a couple of times as you water and it will enable the root area to get water rather than the Thuja hedge take all the moisture, its also good for adding liquid feed when required.
Hope this gives you some food for thought and you can grow a nice June-berry to enjoy.
Best Regards. WeeNel.

So you think the hedge will be ok , it's my juneberry that won't thrive in that area. I could distance it a few feet but then it will be in my clothes line. I guess then goodbye to using the clothes line when it's windy...Would another kind of tree survive better that close to the hedge and the two would be ok or if the tree is ok then it's the hedge that suffers...and vice versa.

Thank you.

Hi Fany, One has to assume that as the hedge is growing well and healthy and has been doing so for a long time then it is obviously there will not be a problem with the hedge, it's roots should be well spread out enough to support it and take in enough water to keep it growing in good health.
The established hedge will be the dominant plants and therefore will be able to take most of the moisture from the soil to sustain it's appearance and heath.

From that being said, it is fair to say that you will loose nothing but ONE June-berry plant IF you decide to go ahead and give this a try, keep an eye on the shrub and first signs of any decay or suffering badly from not enough water, then dig the shrub up and stick it into a large pot till you find another area to plant it out again.

To answer your question about the planting of other tree's, close to the hedge, the same problems would apply as the hedge roots would still be there and cause drought at the tree roots.
I would suggest you either try seek another area for a new tree or try growing one in a huge tub or pot / container to give it the care and attention it will require,

Maybe someone else will come on the thread and totally disagree with all I am saying or give better advice, that would be very helpful but I just know a hedge takes most of the moisture from the soil and anything like tree's going AFTER the hedge is established is removing ant good start for a tree planted close to hedges.
Good luck. WeeNel.