MYTH: Newly planted trees should be staked firmly and securely

MYTH BUSTERS SERIES

THE FACTS

Tree staking is seldom necessary, but when trees are staked, they are typically staked TOO HIGH, TOO TIGHTLY, and for TOO LONG.

• Improperly staked trees grow taller than wider.
• When a tree stake is removed, a lack of trunk and root development makes the tree vulnerable to breakage or blow-down.

Newly planted trees CAN require staking if:

• They are bare root;
• The stem bends excessively when not supported;
• The planting site is very windy.

PROPER STAKING TECHNIQUE, IF REQUIRED

• Place stakes as low as possible – no higher than 2/3 the height of the tree;
• Affix tree to stake with a flexible material that allows movement all the way down the ground;
• Remove all staking material after roots are established (as early as a few months).

Source:
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/staking.pdf