Tree staking is a method of providing temporary support to newly planted trees, but it is not a universal requirement for every sapling. The practice is intended to stabilize the root ball and prevent root rock, a movement that can tear delicate new roots and delay establishment. While providing stability, proper staking must also permit slight trunk movement, which encourages the tree to develop the necessary strength and trunk taper for long-term health.
Determining the Need for Tree Staking
Staking a freshly planted tree is often unnecessary and can be counterproductive to the tree’s natural development. Trees require movement in the wind to stimulate the growth of a strong, self-supporting trunk and anchor their roots firmly in the soil. Unnecessary staking inhibits this process, leading to a weak trunk structure.
You should consider staking only when certain conditions exist, such as planting a bare-root tree or one with a disproportionately small root system relative to its canopy size. Trees planted in very windy locations or those in high-traffic areas, where pedestrian interference or vandalism is a risk, also benefit from temporary support. If the tree is unable to stand upright on its own after planting, or if its root ball is loose in the soil, staking is appropriate to ensure proper establishment.
Essential Materials and Preparation
Gathering the correct materials before starting is necessary to prevent abrasion or injury to the tree’s bark. You will need two or three sturdy stakes made of wood or metal, which should be no taller than two-thirds the height of the tree’s trunk. Stakes extending too high into the canopy can rub against branches and cause damage as they sway.
The tie material must be wide, soft, and flexible to prevent cutting into the expanding trunk. Acceptable materials include canvas webbing, specialized tree strapping, or wide rubber hose. Thin wire, rope, or narrow cord should be avoided entirely. A mallet or sledgehammer will be needed to drive the stakes firmly into the ground.
Step-by-Step Staking Installation
The placement and driving of the stakes are the first steps in the installation process. If using two stakes, position them on opposite sides of the tree, just outside the root ball, approximately 1.5 to 2 feet away from the trunk. For a single stake, place it on the side of the prevailing wind to brace the tree against the strongest forces.
Drive the stakes vertically into the ground, aiming for a depth of about 18 inches to ensure a solid anchor. Take care to drive them straight and avoid damaging the root ball below the soil surface. The stake height should align with the lowest point on the trunk that holds the tree upright when gently rocked.
Attaching the ties requires a specific technique to allow trunk movement. The tie should be placed about halfway up the trunk, or at the height determined to provide adequate support. A figure-eight pattern is recommended: the tie creates a soft loop around the trunk, crosses over, and then secures to the stake. This crossing point acts as a cushion, preventing the trunk from rubbing directly against the stake.
The ties must be secured loosely enough to allow the tree to sway an inch or two in any direction. This flexibility ensures the tree trunk develops the necessary taper, growing thicker at the base to support the canopy. Check the ties immediately after installation to confirm they are snug against the stakes but not constricting the tree’s bark.
The Crucial Step of Stake Removal
Staking is a temporary measure, and removing the supports is essential for the tree’s long-term strength. Leaving stakes in place for too long restricts natural sway, leading to a weak, thin trunk that cannot support the tree once supports are removed. Furthermore, ties left on an expanding trunk can cut into the bark, a process called girdling, which disrupts the flow of water and nutrients.
Stakes should be removed after one full growing season, which translates to six months to one year after planting. For trees planted in the spring, supports can be removed by the following fall, while fall-planted trees may need support until the next autumn. Before removing the stakes, loosen the ties and gently shake the tree to assess its stability and anchor in the soil. If the tree stands upright without excessive wobbling or the root ball shifting, the stakes and all tie materials should be taken away.