How to Stake a Young Tree

Newly planted trees are sometimes tied to stakes.

When you see a new tree planted in a park or in someone's yard, you sometimes will see stakes holding the tree in position. Many times, the stakes aren't needed, and can actually harm the tree as it restricts the tree's movement. When a tree sways in the wind, it strengthens the trunk, so if the tree is staked down, it doesn't develop that strength because it relies on the stakes. Improper staking techniques can also dig into the tree and harm it. Staking a tree correctly, however, can help protect it.

Things You'll Need

• Saw
• Sledgehammer
• 12-gauge wire
• Wire cutters
• Rubber hose

Instructions

1. Cut two wooden stakes to the same length.

2. Drive the first stake into the ground about 1 foot past the hole you dug for the tree. Drive the stake at least 18 inches into the ground.

3. Drive the second stake into the ground on the opposite side of the tree from the first stake, using the same method.

4. Measure and cut two lengths of 12-gauge wire that will run loosely around the tree from the stakes.

5. Slide a piece of rubber hose 6 to 8 inches long over each wire.

6. Wrap the wires around the tree and tie it to the stakes, placing the rubber hose over the wire where it comes into contact with the tree. Tie the wire tightly enough that it doesn't slide down the trunk, but loosely enough that the tree can move.

References

• The Mulch; How to Stake a Tree; Ron Vanderhoff
• North Carolina State University; Trees: Staking Recent Transplants; Erv Evans; 2000
• "Fine Gardening"; To Stake or Not to Stake; Lee Reich