The effect of three planting distances (5x4, 5x3 and 5x2.5 m) were evaluated for two cultivars of hazelnut ('Barcelona' and 'Tonda di Giffoni') of 4 years old cultivated with monoaxe training system with 4-5 branches. The trial orchard was located at Vilcun county, in the Araucania region (southern Chile) in a volcanic soils with a high tenor in organic substances and low amounts in phosphorus and calcium contents. Data regarding to the trunk height demonstrated that 'Barcelona' develops more vigorously at the lower density (5x4 m), corresponding to a significantly higher height in relation to the highest density aimed (5x2.5 and 5x3 m). The vegetative data as the trunk diameter, show significant differences between the planting distances (5x4 and 5x3 m) treatments. Moreover, no difference was found between the highest and smallest distances. With respect to the 'Tonda di Giffoni' cultivar no difference in vegetative parameter was found between the different planting distances treatments. Additionally, a chlorophyll fluorimeters have been used to obtain the quantum efficiency of PS II (Fv/ Fm) in both cultivars. Three regions per cultivar are considered, using five repetitions in each region. More literature shows if Fv/ Fm is correlated with heat stress, for instance, it is possible to assume that the plant temperature is high for 'Tonda di Giffoni' between 15 December 2011 and 10 January 2012. The economic cost at the first year of production was higher for the high density planting, mainly due to the higher installation cost (4.908 U$ for 5x2,5 vs. 4635 U$ for 5x3 m and 3.753 U$ for 5x4 m) as well as to higher management costs.