Provo City

Staking

Tree Care

When to Stake
Staking is not always necessary or desirable for newly planted trees. Many trees develop more quickly and establish stronger trunks and root systems if they are not staked at the time of planting. Staking should only occur if the tree cannot stand upright without support or it is necessary to protect the tree from mechanical damage and vandalism.
 
 
Some Disadvantages of Staking
  • Caliper of tree trunk is smaller
  • Trees have less trunk taper
  • Trees develop a smaller root system
  • Breaking or tipping is more common once stakes have been removed
  • Trees can become injured or girdled from staking
 
 Staking Guidelines
  • Do not forget about your stakes! Support stakes should generally be removed after one growing season. If stakes are left in place for more than two years, the tree’s ability to stand alone will be greatly reduced.
  • Check staked tree regularly for girdling injury.
  • Use a broad, flexible material to attach the tree to the stakes.
  • Stake the tree as low as possible while still providing the necessary support.
  • The top of a staked tree should not bend above the tie point.
  • Stakes should not be driven through the root ball. This damages the roots.
  • Allow for flexibility when tying a tree to stake. Use a figure-8 loop where possible.
 
 
For more information regarding this tree care practice, visit http://www.treesaregood.com/ or look for the following titles:
  • Harris, Richard W., Clark, James R., and Matheny, Nelda P. 2004. Arboriculture: Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines, Fourth Edition. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.
  • Lilly, Sharon J. 2001. Arborists’ Certification Study Guide. International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign, IL.