How to stake a tree
Staking a newly planted tree is necessary to prevent wind rock and unsettling of the roots. Any unsettling can tear roots, slowing down establishment. A newly planted tree will one to two years to anchor itself firmly in the soil.
Staking is necessary for any newly planted large tree, including fruit trees and standard shrubs. Smaller trees usually don’t need staking.
When to do it
Stake young trees as soon as they are planted and replace stakes whenever they fail. Check stakes and ties a couple of times a year to avoid tight tree ties damaging the stems and to replace any ties that have frayed or broken.
Once the tree can stand unsupported without bending or shifting in the ground, remove the stakes. This usually takes eighteen months to three years, but may be longer for semi-mature trees or ones on weak rootstocks, such as dwarf apple trees.
How to do it
There are a number of different staking methods, depending on the type of tree, tree size and method of planting.All stakes should penetrate the soil to at least 60cm (2ft) deep. If the stake moves in the ground, it will not anchor the plant.
Types of stake
Single
This is the standard method for staking bare-root trees, with the stake inserted before planting.For most trees: the stake should be one-third of the height of the tree. This anchors the roots and allows the stem to sway and thicken
For trees with long or flexible stems: use a long, vertical stake, cutting it lower in the second year. There should be a gap of 2.5-3cm (about an inch) between the stem and the stake
Stakes should be inserted on the side of the prevailing wind so that the tree is blown away from the stake.
Double
This is the standard method of staking container-grown and rootballed trees. Two or three stakes can be inserted opposite each other, or equally spaced around the tree outside the root ball, and secured to the trunk by long ties or a timber crossbar and tie. This method is also useful on windy sites.
Angled stake
An angled stake is used for trees planted on hills. Drive a stake in before or after planting at a 45 degree angle, inclined into the prevailing wind. Secure with a flexible tree tie.
Guy wires (Guying)
Guying is predominantly useful for large trees when transplanted. Secure strong wire to low stakes inserted at a 45 degree angle away from the tree. Avoid rubbing by covering the wire with rubber hosepipe where it is wrapped around the stem or branches of the tree
Using tree ties
Special tree ties are available made of durable, long-lasting plastic, with buckles for fastening and adjustment. We carry a full range.
These ties can be loosened as the tree girth expands. Use spacers to prevent the stem and stake rubbing against each other. Create a figure of eight to hold the tree to the stake, with the spacer in between the tree and the stake, and secure the tie to the stake with a nail
Potential issues
Most problems with staking come from ties becoming too tight or from damage after storms. Inspect the ties regularly for rubbing and adjust if necessary. Constriction of the stem by ties happens very quickly, so fast growing trees need frequent checking
After bad weather, check for scuffed and snapped stakes or ties
Deer, rabbits and other mammals may harm newly planted trees. This can be prevented by using tree protectors.