Tree Staking - Landscape Trees (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of staking trees? ›

Use the Right Materials

Such materials that are discouraged from use include bare wire, rope, and garden hose. Urban Forestry recommends using flat nylon webbing in securing stakes to a tree for best results.

Apart from young, small trees (shorter than about 140cm (4.5ft)), almost all benefit from staking for the first few years after planting, though it is a particularly important task in windy gardens, on slopes, and when planting trees with a broad crown.

One of the most popular tree care questions we get at LEAF is “should I stake my newly planted tree?” and the answer is most often no. If your young tree is healthy, has a sturdy trunk and was planted properly, chances are, you won't need to stake it.

Staking provides support to newly planted or damaged trees, but is not always necessary. Stem attachment materials should be wide and flexible to prevent damage to the tree. Straightening wind blown trees is possible, but can be difficult and depends on many factors.

Staking trees for too long that don't need it can cause the tree to grow fewer roots and develop a weak root system. Only stake your tree if it needs extra support, or help to stay anchored.

The stakes' height should correspond to the location on the tree's trunk where ties will be attached. A rule of thumb is that stakes should be 1/3 the height of the tree, but the exact height is less important than a well-installed staking system.

Staking Versus Guying

The major differences between staking and guying systems include 1) where the attachments to the tree trunks are placed, 2) the height and placement of the anchorage stakes, and 3) sometimes, the interface (aka, connection) materials.

Position two or three stakes upwind of the tree to protect it. Place the stakes evenly at a 45-degree angle (with the heads pointing toward the trunk). Drive the stakes into the ground using a mallet until they are about 18 inches deep.

Will a tree grow straight if planted crooked? ›

Will a tree grow straight if planted crooked? It can, though it varies, depending on the situation. Some people believe they should use a wooden stake to support a sapling and make sure it grows straight, but this isn't always necessary.

When done incorrectly, staking further compounds a young tree's problems. If a tree is tied to a stake too tightly, girdling can occur, weakening and even possibly killing the tree unless the problem is addressed in time.

The steps to fix a leaning tree that is mature are similar to the ones listed above for a younger tree. However, you will need to use heavier-duty stakes placed further away from the tree to avoid damaging the large root base. You will want to drive these stakes at least 18 inches into the ground for stability.

Tree Death: Topping trees, obviously puts a tremendous amount of stress on the tree. Such stress could very likely cause the tree to die, especially if the tree is already under stress. If the tree already has cavities, and topping creates more wounds, the tree could fall apart after further decay has occured.

Many people go by the general rule of thumb that you should leave stakes in place for between six months to two years. But, instead of relying on a general rule, have your tree regularly examined by an arborist so its stakes can be removed as soon as the tree is stable.

It's important to remove them a year after planting or after one full growing season. If trees are left staked for too long, the stakes can end up hindering growth, so don't forget about them! If you have any questions or concerns regarding your trees and stakes, contact Lawrence Landscape at (785) 843-4370.