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How to stake an apple tree
Purchase a 3 foot (0.91 m) 2x2 inch (5.08x5.08 cm) piece of lumber.
You can purchase the wood for your stake at a hardware or home and gardening store. Once you get your stake, use a knife or a hand sander to taper the end of one side of the lumber.

Pick from:
(I) Alternately, purchase a piece of wood that is already tapered at one end. You can also use a bamboo cane as your stake for saplings..
(II) Trim the scrap wood using the coarse edge of your piece (the side that won't rip off of the tree. ) Attach the two stakes in front of the center of the tree..
(III) The scored portion of wood will help the stake hold its shape. Trace a 1x2 inch (6.35 mm) pattern on the lumber..
(IV) Remove the stakes from the lumber once you are ready. Keep your stakes topped with wood mulch to protect them from frost..
(I)