Horticulture News

DATE: November 5, 2007

HARDIN COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
201 Peterson Drive
Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701-9370

BY: Amy Aldenderfer
County Extension Agent for Horticulture

Staking Trees Can Do More Harm Than Good

Gardeners often think it is necessary to stake trees that have been moved.  However, the extra trouble and expense of staking is not always necessary, and actually may be harmful to transplanted trees. 

Staking will keep a recently moved tree from blowing over and provide support until the tree is strong enough to withstand high winds.  It also helps reduce vandalism to young trees in high traffic areas.

Trees grown and dug according to good nursery practices should not need to be staked.  These trees should have a soil ball large enough to keep the tree from breaking.

Staking trees unnecessarily can have an adverse effect on their growth and health.

Staked trees tend to reestablish their root system more slowly than trees allowed to sway in the wind.  Wires, twine or stakes that come in to contact with the trunk may cause wounds that could lead to more serious problems. 

Where staking is necessary, three stakes should be used to secure a tree.  The stakes should be driven into solid ground deeply enough to prevent dislodging.  A single stake placed at an angle to the trunk is inadequate and will likely damage the trunk.

Use a short piece of webbing (lawn chair webbing will do) to protect the tree trunk from wires or twine used to anchor the tree.  Wires or twine should be loose enough to allow the trunk to sway in slight breezes, but secure enough to provide support in high winds. The strapping material should be placed low on the trunk.  The support materials generally should not remain on the tree longer than one year.  Six months is usually adequate.
Gardeners should be careful not to stake trees too tightly.  This tends to concentrate growth at the top of the tree.  In severe cases, it makes the tree top heavy, which can increase the chance of the tree blowing over even a year after it has been moved.

If you would like additional information, please contact: Amy Aldenderfer, County Extension Agent for Horticulture, at 765-4121.  Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.