How to Stake and Tie a Tree

Staking and tying young trees used to be an automatic part of planting, but not anymore. Research has shown that trees grow up sturdier and healthier if they're left to move with the wind. Experts now recommend staking only if a tree will be subjected to strong gusts.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Lengths Of Garden Hoses
• Trees
• Wood Or Metal Garden Stakes

1. Buy wooden or metal stakes that are about 1/3 the height of your tree, plus at least 2 feet to be sunk into the ground. If your stakes are longer than 8 feet, 25 percent of the total length should be below ground.

2. Drive the stakes into either side of the hole before you set in the tree.

3. Secure the tree to the stakes with broad, soft straps or lengths of hose. Do not use wire, even if it's threaded inside pieces of hose; it can cut into the young trunk and cause permanent damage.

4. Fasten the straps tightly to the stakes and very loosely to the tree. There should be enough slack so that the tree can move up to 2 inches in every direction. If the trunk can't move, it won't grow in girth and will remain unstable.

5. Remove the stakes and ties within a year after planting.