The wrong way to stake a tree

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this example of staked tree.

Someone was looking out of the window at horticultural college when the lecturer was explaining how important it is for a tree to anchor itself as it gets established.

This tree has been secured with a 100mm dia. stake and it a sure fire recipe for weakness in the future, it is just plain overkill.

This particular tree, because it is so small, is more than capable of being planted and heeled in without any additional support. As it grows, the roots will extend naturally into the soil and create all of the support it will need.

The problem with using a stake that is so large and so rigid is that the tree will never establish any decent support of its own. One day, the post will rot through - this tree may well be 10-15 years old by then - leaving it vulnerable to any significant wind.

Whilst it may be important to stake trees when they are straight from a pot, it is important that the trunk should be allowed to flex and move as it would in its natural environment. The movement tells the tree that it needs to send out more roots and perhaps even extend its tap root - the main method of anchorage - deeper into the ground.

Incidentally, the tie is not right either. The tapes that have been used here do not hold the tree away from the stake. As the wind blows, the branches way and rub against the stake. This can be damage and further weakness.

Further reading: Staking Trees properly for stronger roots

Comments

[Ross]

totally depeds on the tree. Most fruit trees are grafted and the root stock needs additional support. Also, the notion of a tap root is a well established myth. Please look at root excavations of trees and plants in any of the books by Robert Kourik. Roots grow outwards to anchor, not down.