Mulching reduces competition from other plants as well as conserving moisture and keeping soil temperature closer to what the plants' roots prefer. Stake only when necessary. Trees will establish more quickly and grow faster if they are not staked. However, larger trees or those in windy locations may need to be staked the first year. Guying materials must be strong enough to provide support but flexible enough to allow some movement of the trunk.
Movement is necessary for the trunk to become strong.
Horticultural tape or canvas webbing at least 1 inches wide makes good staking material. This is always the result of a location that is too warm and has too little light. Actually, the warm location is good for the first 4 to 5 days after seed is planted. In fact, at this time the warmer the better. So find a location that is 80 to 85 degrees F if you can.