How to Stake Trees

In general, newly planted trees grow best when they are left unstaked. By not staking a tree you are in effect forcing the tree's root system to grow strong enough to hold the tree firmly in place. However, in some instances (small trees, less than 6 feet high or trunks thinner than 1 inch in diameter, strong windy conditions or trees planted on a hill), staking can help support your tree long enough so it can develop its own root system. Here's how to stake a tree properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 wooden stakes, about 4 feet long (for evergreen trees)
• Hammer or maul
• Wire
• Old garden hose
• Knife
• Pliers/wire cutters

How to Stake a Deciduous tree

1. Determine the direction of the prevailing winds where your tree is planted; the wind direction will determine the locations of the tree stakes. For example, if the prevailing wind is from the west you will want to place the stakes on the north and south sides of the tree. The tree needs to be able to move some or it will never develop a strong system.

2. Select two strong straight stakes (inexpensive pine works well) and drive them into the ground on opposite sides of the tree about 2 feet from the trunk.

3. Drive the stakes vertically about 2 feet into the ground so they will hold tightly.

4. Cut two pieces of wire about 5 feet long and tow pieces of an old garden hose about 18 inches long, then pass the wire through the hose.

5. Wrap the hose and wire around the tree and around the stake near the top, then twist the wire taut and snip off the excess. Do the same on the other stake. You want to end up with the wire parallel to the ground and attached at the same height on both of the stakes.

How to Stake an Evergreen Tree

6. Determine the direction of the prevailing winds.

7. Drive the first stake 2 feet into the ground on a 45-degree angle facing into the prevailing wind to about 2 feet from the tree.

8. Space the other two stakes evenly in a circle around the tree and drive them into the ground the same way as the first.

9. Using pieces of wire run through sections of old garden hose, loop the wire around the tree and back to the stake. Position the loops about 4 feet on the tree, but attach them to the stakes down near ground level.

10. Twist the wires taut and cut off the excess.

Tips & Warnings

• A newly planted and staked tree may take a year to develop its own root system.
• During the growing season, check the wire loops around the tree to be sure they aren't restricting the tree. Loosen the wire if it's too tight.
• Alternative products for wrapping around a tree are: wide rubber belts, cloth webbing or even old panty hose. Just be sure whatever you use has a smooth surface that won't harm the tree bark.
• Don't stake your tree so tightly it can't move at all. If a tree doesn't move, it won't develop its own strong root system and won't be able to stand on its own.