Such severe root loss limits their ability to take in water and nutrients as well as to anchor themselves properly. To help them grow straight and to keep from being blow over as they establish themselves, young transplanted trees can be staked for one to three years. Staking should always be done with special care. Any wire that comes in contact with a tree branch could potentially girdle and kill it. It is important also to provide some play in the staking wires to allow young trees to develop strong root systems and be able to withstand some wind on their own.
Trees naturally strive to grow straight and tall.
If a tree becomes too dependent on supports, it's trunk will not develop adequate strength. Instead of helping, badly installed stakes, or stakes that have been left on for more than three years, can actually hurt a tree in the long run. On by November Off by May Wrapping Wrapping is another procedure often used on younger trees. A long strip of burlap, paper or other material is wound around the trunk to provide some insulation in winter and protect against sun scald. Only young trees or those with thin bark such as Maple, Linden and Honey Locust should be wrapped.