organize trees by size or by requirements ?

Hi, I have read that is good idea to organize the fruit trees in a forest based in their sizes. The taller trees should go where the sun comes out in the morning( east or south east) and the shorter where the sun goes away.

But i also have read its good idea to organize trees based on their ecological requirements.

are you agree with these? Which do you think its more important?

Sometimes there a conflict between these 2 options, sometimes i can order my trees based on their sizes but they are not near each other based on ecological requeriments... and sometimes i can have the trees near each other based on ecological requirements but they are not ordered based in their sizes.

Some plants thrive in morning sun and after noon shade. Like planting shorter fruit shrub/tree on the east side of a larger tree.

The edge of the large trees is one of the most productive environments. Trees that like shade and trees that like a decent amount of sun will thrive on the edge. Creates a nice micro-climate for the other plants around it.

I've organized most of my trees for pollination requirements and frost protection. I've positioned peaches on the top of north facing slopes to slow their spring bud where frosts can drain away from the trees by gravity. I've positioned more Mediterranean type plants like figs and pitachios on drier western slopes. I positioned American PawPaw under the shade of an Oak tree because they are not supposed to tolerate full sun when young.

There are SO many things to consider--light requirement, soil requirement, winter hardiness, ease of harvest (put all the June-bearing trees in one area, the Septembers in a different), pollination.

There isn't just one right answer, it just depends on what your goals are.

Hey Dave, which are those plants? Do they have a name? how can i recognize them?

Dave Lodge wrote:Some plants thrive in morning sun and after noon shade. Like planting shorter fruit shrub/tree on the east side of a larger tree.

The edge of the large trees is one of the most productive environments. Trees that like shade and trees that like a decent amount of sun will thrive on the edge. Creates a nice micro-climate for the other plants around it.