How to Stake a Tree You are here: HomeHow toHow to Stake a Tree Staking provides a young tree with the support it needs until the trunk is strong enough to hold it’s canopy upright. Careful attention must be paid to the way a tree is staked – if improperly done, staking can weaken a tree and cause serious damage and deformity. Though, most newly planted trees will grow better if they are not staked. By leaving the young tree to move freely in the wind, it will develop a better root system and a stronger, more tapered trunk. However, protective staking may be required on sites where lawn mower damage, vandalism or windy conditions are of concern. Most trees will not need to be staked longer than a year, but should be left for at least one growing season. As soon as the tree can stand on its own, remove the stakes. Follow the guidelines for properly staking a tree: Choose two strong stakes, preferably lodge poles. These stakes should be at least 6 feet tall, about 2 inches wide and pointed on one end to easily penetrate the ground. Determine the direction of the prevailing wind and insert the stakes exactly opposite one another, about 2 feet from the stem, in line with the wind. For example: if the wind direction is westerly, then place the stakes North & South. Drive the stakes vertically at least 2 feet into the ground. Try to bury the stakes so they are the same height above ground. When finished, stakes should stand upright at about 4 feet. Cut 2 pieces of flexible wire, each measuring at least 5 feet long. Also, cut up an old garden hose into 2 eighteen-inch lengths. Then, slip the hose over the wire, and wrap the hose around the tree to protect the trunk from the wire. Pull equal lengths of the wire parallel to the ground and attach to the top of the stake. Twist the wires together on the outside of the stake to make the wire taut and nip off any excess. More Posts How to Plant September 1, 2016 How to Plant a Tree March 16, 2016 How to Care for Roses March 16, 2016 Rabbit Resistant Plants March 16, 2016 How to Install an Ocotillo Fence Panel March 16, 2016 Plant that Attract Songbirds March 16, 2016 Search Catalog Our catalog features almost 600 different plants. Click to find the information you need to select those adapted to your environment. Recommendations Recent Facebook Posts Give the Gift of Gardening! Is there someone special in your life who loves to watch things grow? Give them a gift that grows: a Civano Nursery Gift Card. Enter any amount (min $20): Contact info Address: 5301 S. Houghton Road Tucson, AZ 85747 Phone numbers: 520-546-9200 Business hours: Monday - Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Find us on: Facebook page opens in new window YouTube page opens in new window Pinterest page opens in new window Instagram page opens in new window Give us a “Like” on Facebook! Subscribe to our newsletter NO SPAM ZONE: You can unsubscribe at any time. We won't spam you. We are a local company: your privacy and comfort matter to us. Copyright © 2021 Civano Nursery Web design by Vanguard Web Design Tucson Home Services Products Gardening Blog About Civano