A method of forming a vertical transport field effect transistor (VTFET) is provided. The method includes forming one or more vertical fins on a substrate, wherein there is a fin transition region between each of the one or more vertical fins and the substrate. The method further includes forming a sidewall liner having a first thickness on each of the one or more vertical fins. The method further includes forming a sidewall spacer having a second thickness on each of the sidewall liner(s), wherein the first thickness of the sidewall liner and the second thickness of the sidewall spacer determines an offset distance from each of the one or more vertical fins. The method further includes forming a trench with an edge offset from each of the one or more vertical fins by the offset distance.