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Staking
Plant Material Maintenance
Compared to un-staked trees, staked trees will:
Before staking a tree consider the consequences of staking:
1-Grow taller and more spindly.
A tree that has been staked too long may not be able to support itself after the stakes have been removed.
Notice how the trunk is the same diameter along it’s entire length.
Proper trunk taper
The tree at the right exhibits proper taper; larger diameter at the bottom, then slowly tapering to a smaller diameter near the top.
2-Grow less in trunk caliper near the ground but more near the top support tie.
Reverse trunk taper may be a consequence of staking too long.
3-Develop a smaller root system.
Research has shown that when trees are staked for too long their root systems may not be as extensive as they normally would be.
Trunk movement signals the lower trunk and roots to produce increased growth. A better trunk taper and root system results.
4-Be subject to more stress per unit area at the support point than un-staked trees.
These staked trees have broken off just above the point of support.
Staked trees cannot “flex” in the wind as well as un-staked trees.
Un-Staked Tree Staked Tree
support point
support point
wind
5-Be more subject to rubbing and girdling injury from stakes and ties.
The ties in the picture were left on for too long and have girdled the trunk.
Support Staking
It is needed for trees whose trunks are not strong enough to stand without support…
or for trees whose trunks fail to return to an upright position after being bent over by strong winds.
When is support staking needed?
At least 3 feet below the terminal leader, and…
At a point no more than 2/3 the height of the tree.
Where should a tree’s trunk be supported?
10 feet tall
10 feet x 2/3 = 6 2/3 feet or about 6’-8”
leader
Staking (A & B) vs. Guying (C)
Staking: 1-3 stakes Guying: 3 anchors
How many stakes should I use?
Most research has shown that trees should be staked for no more than one year.
How long should a tree remain staked?
Stakes: wood, steel rod, conduit, etc. Tying materials: elastic webbing, belting,
polyethylene tape, flexible tubing, etc.◦ Do not use hose-covered wire.
What types of materials can be used for staking?
Staking and Guying Systems
The End
