Better methods for protecting these trees are to always keep a ring of mulch around the base of the tree , or to erect a fence to encircle and protect the tree. Soft, flexible ties should be attached to the stakes and tied to loosely encircle the trunk. You want to encourage movement of the tree while providing gentle support, not immobilize it. Tying a tree so that it cannot move is also a problem.
The top of the tree will move freely in the wind but all movement will suddenly stop where the tree is tied. As a result, it can cause the trunk to snap off just above the attachment point.
Attach your ties at the lowest practical height. Never use rigid, hard, or abrasive ties , or any ties that wholly immobilize the tree. Wire ties are a major cause of damage to newly-planted trees, as are zip ties, plastic rope, or an otherwise flexible material pulled too tight.
A general rule is from six months to two years maximum, but trees should be examined regularly and stakes removed as soon as a tree is stable. This can be less than two years, or more, depending on conditions, or it can be longer if the tree establishes slowly and the conditions are harsh.
Removing stakes too soon can result in a newly-planted tree leaning or blowing over in the wind. All plants are photoresponsive, meaning they grow toward the strongest light the sun , which keeps them vertical.
This can be striking in coastal pines and cypress that have windblown forms but, for safety and longevity, a strong central leader and an even crown are best. Stakes left on too long can harm trees in several ways. The early development of a tree lays the foundation for its future growth, so there should be as few impediments as possible. Stakes themselves may crack or become unstable and lean. With the tree attached to the stakes by flexible ties, if a stake leans or falls over it takes the tree with it.
A tree that outgrows the location of its stakes can be damaged by them. Evenly space three stakes around the tree and drive them into the ground. Weave the stakes through the branches and attach them to each other near the top of the tripod. Occasionally, wind thrown trees can be straightened and saved.
The success of this technique depends on several key factors, however:. Splinting is used primarily for excurrent trees, which are trees with one main stem or leader. A splint can be used when the leader is broken or lost, or for controlling the height of a tree. Broken leaders can result from vandalism, pest damage and environmental damage.
Splinting can also be used when the top of the leader is leaning or flopping over from wind or the weight of new wood.
Height control is typically used for fruit trees, such as apples, so the fruit is at an accessible height. You can modify the leader when the tree gets taller than you desire. If height control is the goal, then the main leader is cut back and a branch is splinted up to become the new leader. Trees should be splinted at the beginning of the growing season.
In Minnesota, the recommended time for splinting is in the spring, from April to May. The new wood is flexible during this time, so the branches can be moved around with smaller chances of breakage. Remove the splinting material when the branch is hardened off; this may take at least a month. The new, hardened off leader will be able to support itself when the connection material and support stake is removed. The splint has to be made of a rigid material that will remain straight with the added weight and forces of a branch being attached to it.
The splint can be a piece of bamboo, stake or other material. The splint will ideally be on the tree for around a month, so there is little fear of girdling. You can use zip ties, rubber plant tie bands and thick plastic twist ties to attach the new leader to the splint. Gary R. Johnson, Extension forestry specialist and associate professor of urban and community forestry and Tracy Few, researcher, University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources.
All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Home Yard and garden How-to Planting and growing guides Staking and guying trees. Quick facts 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. Open all Close all. Staking materials Materials vary depending on the situation and size of the tree. For small to average-sized trees up to feet in height , wooden stakes are sufficient. They should be at least 2 inches by 2 inches by 5 feet long.
For larger or heavier trees, or trees in particularly windy situations, metal fence stakes may be necessary. The stakes are reusable, particularly the metal stakes.
Stakes that are too tall for the tree may damage the branches in the canopy from rubbing. Guying anchors. Stem attachments Whether attaching the tree to stakes or guying anchors, the rope, wires or metal cable should never come into contact with tree stems or branches. Save to My scrapbook. Quick facts. Suitable for: Newly planted standard trees and shrubs Timing: Autumn to early spring Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Jump to Suitable for When to stake trees How to stake trees Using tree ties and ground anchors Problems.
Suitable for When to stake trees Stake trees as soon as they are planted and replace stakes whenever they fail. How to stake trees There are a number of different staking methods, depending on the type of tree, tree size and method of planting. Single stake 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 tress with long or flexible stems: use long, vertical stake, cutting it lower in the second year. There should be a gap of 2. Double stake This is the standard method of staking container-grown and rootballed trees.
Angled stake An angled stake is used for trees planted on slopes. Guying Guying is particularly useful for large trees when transplanted. Using tree ties and ground anchors Tree ties Special tree ties are available made of durable, long-lasting plastic, with buckles for fastening and adjustment.
These ties can be loosened as the tree girth expands Use spacers to prevent the stem and stake rubbing against each other Make 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 In an emergency an old pair of tights can be used as a rough and ready tree tie.
Ground anchors Ground anchors are essentially underground staking systems. Problems Most problems with staking come from ties becoming too tight or from damage after storms. Check 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 abrasion and snapped stakes or ties Deer , rabbits and other mammals may harm newly planted trees.
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