tree staking

Stakes and ties are used with newly planted trees to provide support and protection for the tree - but be ware.

You will find examples of trees propped up by stakes, others where the stakes act like a crutch, while in others the stakes are simply a useless big stick. The common element is that sooner or later all will cause damage to the trees they are intended to protect. The challenge is to act before damage actually occurs.

Starting from new

A tree lifted from a nursery bed will have lost up to four fifths of its root system. What remains is insufficient to anchor the tree securely once it is replanted. A container grown tree has a similar problem because its roots are within a package of compost in which the roots will at first remain. The compost will slip in the backfill soil around it. There is, therefore, a need to provide temporary anchorage to hold upright newly planted trees until new roots develop into the surrounding soil.

To hold a tree steady until the new anchorage has developed only requires a short stake - it should reach no more than one third of the height of the trunk. A simple tie at the top of the stake will reduce the most excessive swaying that would tear new roots out of the soil. If a tree grows healthily it should produce sufficient new roots in one growing season to hold the tree upright. However, it would be prudent to leave the tree with the 'prop' until the beginning of the second growing season after planting.

At that time, release the tie and gently push the tree to one side and provided the soil does not break away from around the roots, the support can be removed. By the time the next autumn storms occur the natural anchorage should have developed.

Coping with older problems

Where a tree has had a stake for several years or it extends into the branches of the tree some caution may be needed. This is because trees that do not sway may develop an imbalance with the leading shoot growing taller and the stem diameter being greater above the tie than below it. As a result when the stake is removed the tree may lean and possibly dangerously.

The key is to release the tie(s) to see if the tree leans. If it does lean find the position on the stem at which the leading shoot remains vertical. Position a new tie at that point and most importantly saw of the excess stake. This process is repeated at the start of each growing season until the stake has been removed or reduced to ground level.

If a tree is planted into poor soil conditions then it is unlikely to become stable and self supporting. Artificial support may then be needed throughout the tree's life.

Removing stakes

Reducing or removing stakes should be done with care so as to avoid damaging the tree. The removal of a stake should not involve shaking and wriggling the stake around. This could damage the roots by splitting them apart. Once a stake is removed fill the hole with soil or other open rooting material.