How to Stake a Tree

Not every new tree needs staking. A healthy, properly planted tree with a sturdy trunk and root system doesn’t need tree supports. Typically, you don’t have to stake evergreens, conifers or trees that have branches growing lower to the ground.
Research indicates that unstaked trees growing in normal conditions have trunks that are stronger than staked trees.

However, there are several situations when staking a tree is beneficial.

In general, tree support is needed when you have:

• Bare-root trees or trees with a small root ball
• Trees planted in areas with lots of foot traffic
• New trees that can’t stand on their own or trees that lean
• Top-heavy trees with no lower branches
• Trees growing in windy conditions

There are various methods of staking, but it is important not to put anything against the young tree's tender bark that would rub or otherwise damage it. Openings in bark leave a tree vulnerable to pests and diseases.

You will find new trees in the Garden Center with stakes in the nursery pot already supporting the tree. These stakes should be carefully removed and the tree inspected before you plant the tree.

Keep in mind that tree staking is always temporary. Stakes and lines should be removed by the end of its first growing season to give the tree a chance to stand on its own.
Stakes and lines used to correct leaning trees should also be removed after a year.

The materials for staking a tree can be found around your home. You'll need stakes, a type of line and rubber tubing like an old garden hose. You can also purchase a tree staking kit that has all the materials you'll need.

In addition to the tree staking materials, you'll need a sledgehammer. If the ground is soft, you may be able to use a mallet or heavy duty hammer.

The steps are simple for staking a tree. You'll want to thread the line through the tubing, position the pieces on the trunk, drive the stakes into the ground and secure the lines to the stakes.

Begin by deciding where to tie the plant supports.
Once the tree is planted, follow these steps to determine where you will tie the supports.

• Hold the tree in one hand and rock it gently back and forth.
• Move your hand up and down until you find the height at which the tree stays upright when moved. This is where you should put the tree straps for staking. It’ll be about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way up the trunk.

The number of stakes and lines for tree support is determined by the size of the tree.

• A tree with a trunk 3 inches or less in diameter needs just one stake which is placed on the windward side (the side that catches the prevailiing wind). You can use additional stakes, if needed.
• Larger trees should be staked with two or three stakes in opposing directions.

• Use 3-inch webbing, polyethylene strips or twine.
• Thread line through lengths of old garden hose to protect the tree from the line.
• Tie the webbing loosely at the proper spot.

Tip: Only use soft materials that give and move with the tree. Soft materials allow some sway and encourage the tree to grow stronger roots. Do not use wires or any other hard, tight material that constricts growth.

• Drive the stakes into the ground with a striking tool like a sledgehammer. You want the stakes to hold even in the event of high winds, so set them about 18 inches deep.
• In high-traffic areas, position the tops of the stakes high enough so that no one will trip over the webbing and fall onto a stake—at least 3 feet or higher above ground.

Tip: Be sure to remove tree stakes and lines after the plant is established, usually under a year. Leaving the lines and stakes in the ground longer will prevent it from properly growing and can weaken the tree.