Like all young things, trees need a good start in life to grow strong and healthy. One of the ways homes gardeners can help their trees get such a start is to allow them to move and sway in the wind to some degree so they can develop strong, sturdy trunks. In fact, research has shown that trees allowed to sway naturally in the wind develop more anchor roots, produce wider trunks and develop more reaction wood (wood that withstands natural flexing) than trees that have been rigidly staked.
Some plants, like pit-fruit trees, require additional support as they mature to keep them from breaking under the load of fruit.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Woody shrubs that bear heavy loads of berries should be planted near a sturdy support to keep branches from snapping.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
In some cases, however, newly planted trees do benefit from being staked. Trees with relatively thin trunks and large crowns, for example, often need support to remain upright, while trees planted in sandy soils or in windy areas may benefit from staking to stabilize them until their root systems expand adequately.
You can support very small trees with a single stake. In this case, place the stake on the upwind side of the tree, about 8 inches from the trunk. It’s a good idea to place the stake in the hole when you plant the tree – otherwise you may unintentionally damage the roots if you drive the stake into the ground later. Use a soft, slightly elastic material to tie the tree to the stake in a figure-eight loop at two or more points.
Larger trees should be supported with two or more stakes. You can install two stakes opposite each other, then extend the ties in a horseshoe pattern. If the tree is planted in a windy area or if its trunk is greater than 3 inches in diameter, it’s best to use three stakes. In this case, place the stakes equidistant around the tree, with guy wires 6 inches above the level where the tree trunk becomes floppy. Any parts of the staking equipment that touch the tree should be flexible and soft to prevent damage to the bark.
When you stake a tree, be sure the ties are sufficiently loose for the tree to move naturally in response to light winds – in most cases, 3-4 inches of sway is enough. This allows the tree to flex in the wind, which releases hormones that cause it to grow strong wood, reinforcing the tree’s trunk. After the second growing season, you can remove any stakes and guy wires from most trees and allow them to stand on their own.
If you’re installing a new tree this spring or fall and need to stake it, gather your materials (two wooden stakes and rubber tree ties, a stake-driving tool, hammer, nails, wire cutters and gloves) and take the steps shown in the following pictures and described in their captions. Your tree will thank you for the support.
Tree Staking
Tree Staking - Step 1
Set the two stakes on opposite sides of the trunk outside the planting hole, at right angles to any prevailing wind. Use a stake driver to set each stake into the soil.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Tree Staking - Step 2
Loop a tie around the trunk, positioning it about 12 inches from the top of a stake. Wrap the ties’ wires once around the stake, then secure it to the stake using a nail.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Tree Staking - Step 3
Loop a second tie around the trunk, weaving it through the other tie. Check that the trunk has 3-4 inches of space to move within the ties.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Tree Staking - Step 4
Secure the second tie’s wires to the opposite stake with a nail. Cut off any dangling wire that could pose a safety hazard. If the installed stakes are too tall, cut them to size.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
