What is it?

• Staking is a technique used to protect, anchor, and support recently transplanted trees.

• NO. Most young trees can stand unsupported, and will be stronger without stakes.
• Research shows that bare-root trees can stand as well as B&B or containerized ones.
• Trunk movement signals the roots to produce increased growth, both primary (elongation) and secondary (thickening). A better root system results.

• There are certain situations where staking can be advisable:

1. very large tree size
2. high wind conditions
3. very weak trunk
4. high population pressure

• Poor trunk development at the base of the tree
• Increased trunk caliper near the support ties, which produces a negative trunk taper and restricts the vascular tissue conducting water, nutrients, and sugars
• Wounding or girdling from ties too tight against the trunk

-- concentrated pressure from narrow ties (e.g. elastic webbing, wire, or even wire through a hose) will crush or cut through the bark

• More wind throw and wind damage, particularly when the tree is staked rigidly

-- most susceptible are shallow-rooted evergreens and trees with a large "sail"

• Don't stake if you don't have to.
• Remove stakes and ties within 1 year. The problems start when they are left on.
• Use ties that have a broad, smooth surface.
• Leave some play in the ties, so that the tree can move slightly with the wind.
• If vandalism is a consideration: instead of staking, try planting larger caliper trees, or encircling the tree with heavy posts, wire, or metal grill work.
• If protecting from mowers and foot traffic: sink three 4' stakes halfway into the ground, 15" or so from the tree, and run a line between them to make a triangle.
• If follow-up maintenance within 1 year is unlikely: use 2" x 2" pine stakes, and UV degradable ties. The stakes and ties will fall off by themselvesm.
• If staking because the trunk is too weak: place the ties 6" above the lowest point where, when you hold the trunk, the top will still return upright after being bent to the side.

Richard W. Harris. Arboriculture: Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines. Second edition. New York: Wiley. Pgs. 210 - 219. If this authority is unavailable to you locally, call the Community Forestry Education Project (716-461-1000) for further information.