How Long To Stake A Tree

Posted by Brent Wilson on eight/xviii/2017 to FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Though not all newly planted trees require staking, some do. Perchance we can aid you lot decide if your new tree needs staking and which staking method might be best if then.

Important Notation:If the tree yous purchased and planted came with a stake, it is always best to remove it. Reason existence, a stake tied close to a tree trunk might help it to grow directly when young and growing in a nursery pot, but in the long term this stake won't allow the tree to develop a stiff trunk that volition stand up straight and sturdy on its own.

Y'all only want to stake a tree after planting if it absolutely needs the support. Staking a young tree that doesn't need the support can cause a tree to grow fewer roots and/or a weaker body, which would otherwise aid to back up the tree to stand straight on its own.

Here'southward some reasons why a newly planted tree will require staking:

Needless to say, new trees that start to lean or won't stand on their own afterwards planting should be staked.
Taller trees planted in a windy site, especially top heavy ones with a lot of foliage, will benefit from staking until their roots have expanded sufficiently to stabilize the tree against wind.
We don't offer these, only taller bare root trees will often crave staking in order to stand straight after planting. Container or field grown trees with a sturdy torso and solid root system surrounded by soil might not crave staking.
If the soil in the planting area is very soggy or loose, staking may exist necessary.

Methods For Staking A Tree

There are several tree staking methods to choose from. Which i you use might depend on the pinnacle and overall size of the tree, the condition of the native soil surrounding the planting hole, and susceptibility to wind.

Annotation: As mentioned in a higher place, if your new tree came with a stake fastened to the trunk remove information technology. If it's a sturdy pale, you lot may be able to reuse it if using the Unmarried Stake Method described below.

Single Pale Method

For smaller copse or alpine shrubs under 8 anxiety in height, the single stake method unremarkably provides sufficient support. To apply this staking method, simply drive i 4 to 6 foot long stake firmly into the ground so that it crosses the body of the tree at an angle a foot or 2 above the basis (depending on elevation of tree). Utilize stretchy tie-tape, soft cord or string, or a strip of textile or other soft textile to tie the trunk confronting the stake as shown below. Loop the cloth around the trunk of the tree and so cross the ends over ane another earlier looping and tying effectually the pale. Doing so puts some soft material between the stake and the torso of the tree, preventing impairment that can be caused from the stake rubbing against the tree trunk. Avert using metal wire or string as a tie direct against the tree trunk as it can cut into the bark causing serious damage.

Here's how to tie a stake to a tree so that the stake won't rub against the bawl...

Double Pale Method

For the double stake method, drive a 5 to half-dozen pes stake vertically to a depth of at to the lowest degree xviii inches in the ground and virtually xviii inches away from the trunk on reverse sides of the tree. Use a soft material, such equally sheet or tree staking straps, to attach the stakes to the tree. Leave a footling slack to allow the tree to sway some. Alternatively, you lot can employ rope or wire for straps, but make sure to utilize safety hose or tubing around the wire where it will come into contact with the body of the tree. I ofttimes employ sections of an old garden hose.

Triple Stake Method

This method is ofttimes used on larger trees of 8 feet or more than in peak that have a awning atop a bare body.When using this method space 3 18" long wooden or metallic stakes evenly effectually the planting pigsty. Regarding how far to space the stakes from the tree, for every human foot of height to the bespeak where the wires will attach to lower branches/limbs, you'll desire to space the stakes an equal altitude in feet from the base of the tree. For example, if you'll be attaching the wires around branches that are 4 feet higher up the ground, infinite the stakes four feet away from the tree. After the stakes take been positioned, drive them at a 45 degree angle into the ground across the exterior perimeter of the planting hole, leaving at least 6 inches of the stake above the ground. Use wire or nylon string to tie from the stake to the tree. Get out a little slack in the wires to allow the tree to sway naturally. To prevent impairment caused from the string or wire rubbing against the tree trunk and branches, use safety hose or tubing around the string or wire where it volition come into contact with the bawl.

How long should you continue a tree staked?

The goal in staking is to allow a newly planted tree the time to develop plenty roots so it tin can stand upwards straight on its own without leaning. Generally speaking, this usually takes at least i growing flavor, just might take a petty longer for slower growing copse and maybe less for faster growing trees. Weather and soil structure are factors too.

To be on the prophylactic side, if you pale a newly planted tree in late wintertime or early spring, look until late spring to early summertime to remove the stakes. If y'all plant and pale in early to mid summer, wait until mid to late fall to remove steaks. If y'all plant and pale in early on to mid autumn look until mid spring to remove stakes. If you establish and pale while the tree is dormant in wintertime, wait until late spring or early summertime to remove stakes.

Note: Go on in mind that if you leave stakes on too long the tree won't grow in a way that information technology can stand directly on its own.

Hope this info was helpful. If you need more details or accept whatever questions don't hesitate to contact u.s..

Plant Long & Prosper!