Staking a tree

Staking

It is very important to decide whether your plants need to be staked or not, for staking a tree that doesn’t need it can interfere with the growth of its trunk and root system. Staking is needed in the following situations.

• for bare root trees
• for trees that can’t stand up on their own
• when the soil is unstable, waterlogged or subject to seasonal flooding
• in very windy planting sites
• when the ball of soil surrounding the roots is very small in relation to the height of the tree or the width of its crown

Proper staking will allow the trunk to move naturally, while keeping it sufficiently solid. This means using only one tie per stake. It is also important to choose your staking materials carefully.

Possible ties

• elastic straps
• bicycle inner tubes
• nylon stockings
• strips of cotton fabric
• slings sold in gardening centres

Use wide straps to avoid injuring the trunk and to provide firm, but flexible support. Form a figure-8 with the strap (unless you are using a store-bought one) and tie it loosely to the stake. Never use wire, rope or wire encased in a garden hose.

Possible stakes

• metal bar or pipe
• wooden stake

Make sure that the stake is not too wide and that it doesn’t shade the trunk, to allow the tree to grow properly.

There are various staking options, depending on the trunk diameter of the tree you are planting. They are listed below.