While not always necessary, newly planted trees often benefit from stakes to provide stability as their roots establish. However, not all trees require stakes. Consult with a certified arborist for professional guidance based on your tree’s specific needs and environment.
As Carlton’s professional tree service company, the Oregon Arborist, LLC, crew delves into the necessity of staking trees, offering tips on proper tree staking and guidance on when to remove tree stakes.
To Stake or Not To Stake
The truth is, most trees don’t need staking. Moreover, staking a tree for too long when it did not need it in the first place can cause the tree to grow fewer roots and develop a weak root system. Only stake a tree if it needs help to stay anchored, or extra support.
Most properly planted trees with sturdy tree trunks and solid root systems don’t need staking. You also won’t have to stake conifers, evergreens, or trees with low-lying branches.
Planting conditions or scenarios that may warrant staking include:
- A young tree with heavy foliage
- Bare root trees of trees with a small root ball relative to their size
- Planting a tree in windy climates or unusually wet, loose, or sandy soil
- Tall, top-heavy trees lacking lower branches
- Hibiscus trees, Eucalyptus trees, Acacia trees, and Oleander trees
- New trees that begin to lean or cannot stand on their own
The Best Time To Remove Tree Stakes
Knowing when to remove tree stakes matters. While the best answer will vary depending on factors such as the soil conditions, a good rule of thumb is to leave the stakes in place for about a year.
A year gives the tree plenty of time to go through a complete growing season. This gives the soil around the root ball time to settle. It also offers the tree ample time to extend its roots and get a firm grip on the surrounding soil.
Conversely, leaving the stakes for too long stalls the tree’s development.
When staking remember to never use a wire as strapping material as it will damage the trunk and eventually cut off the flow of water and nutrients. Instead, use biodegradable strapping material or canvas strapping. Remember to allow enough slack, so the tree can freely sway.
You also want to exercise caution when driving the stakes through the root ball and removing them to prevent damage to the tree root ball and tree bark, respectively.
Trust Your Local Tree Care Experts
Rely on the certified arborists at Oregon Arborist, LLC for long-term cost-effective management of your trees and property. We believe in a holistic approach to tree care and offer fast, reliable, and professional tree care services, including:
- Tree removal and stump grinding
- Tree trimming and pruning
- Emergency tree services
- Land clearing
For more information regarding when to remove tree stakes or for answers to questions such as, “Do trees increase property value?” reach out to our seasoned crew.
Call Oregon Arborist, LLC, at (503) 899-4166 for your next tree service in Carlton, Oregon, or nearby. We’re ready to help.