Trees typically excel at taking care of themselves and adapting to the environment. However, newly planted trees may need some TLC before they can face Mother Nature. Besides needing sufficient water, nutrients, and sunlight, your new tree may also require staking.
As a top-rated tree service company in Collegeville, PA, we at Beyond the Leaf Tree & Shrub Experts will explore tree stability, staking methods, and the best way to stake a tree.
Is Staking Necessary?
While young trees may seem like they need extra support, most trees don’t need staking. Staking a tree that doesn’t need the extra support can actually cause it to grow fewer roots or a weaker trunk. You should only stake a tree if it needs extra support or help to stay anchored.
Nonetheless, circumstances that make stalking necessary include:
- Leaning by a newly planted tree
- Windy conditions affecting a taller, top-heavy tree
- A bare root tree or tree with a small root ball
- A tree planted in an area with high foot traffic
How To Properly Stake a Tree
Proper tree planting and tree maintenance involves knowing the best way to stake a tree. The following guidelines will come in handy:
- Remove the nursery stakes and consider how many stakes you’ll need. One, two, or three wooden or metallic stakes should suffice. See how sturdy the tree is in the ground by placing your hand on the trunk and rocking it back and forth.
- Note where the tree stays upright when moved (generally half or two-thirds of the way up the trunk) because that’s where you’ll tie the stakes to the tree using something soft, like tree staking straps, soft string, or canvas, and remember to leave a little slack for the tree to sway.
- The single-stake method works well for small trees or tall shrubs under 8 feet tall. For the double-stake method, drive two stakes opposite each other about 18 inches into the ground and about 1.5 feet from the trunk. Then, tie the stakes to the tree.
- Use a third stake if necessary and drive it on an open side of the tree so that the “point” of the triangle points toward the prevailing wind.
- You don’t want to stake a tree for too long. Otherwise, it will struggle with tree stability issues for longer than usual. Generally, staked trees usually take at least one growing season to establish a stable root system.
Trust Your Local Tree Experts
Experience fast, professional, and reliable tree and plant healthcare services from Beyond the Leaf Tree & Shrub Experts. We have plenty of experience in arboriculture and urban forestry, so you can count on us for:
- Tree pruning
- Tree removal
- Tree and shrub installations
- Emergency storm damage
Call us at Beyond the Leaf Tree & Shrub Experts at (610) 978-6072 to request a free estimate for tree service in Southern Pennsylvania or North and Central New Jersey, respectively. Reach out for more information about the best way to stake a tree or to learn how professionals deal with thick tree branches.