Landscape Architect Articles

2007 October LSMP Tree Care: Tree Staking Techniques10-04-07 | News

Tree Staking Techniques

When planting and staking trees make sure the root ball is in a hole 2-3 times its width on a firm soil base, with the ball a few inches above the soil line. The stakes should allow movement and growth for the young tree, while protecting it against extreme winds and weather.

In many windy areas in the U.S., landscape superintendents worry about the best way to stake trees to maximize the number that successfully make it through challenging weather. To give some insight on how to make sure as many trees as possible survive, the owners of two landscaping services in Florida talk about which techniques have worked for them. While they are landscape contractors, their knowledge easily translates to superintendents who plant trees on their property.

Joe Henry of Joe Henry Landscape Services in Ellenton, Fla. notes, ?EUR??,,????'??It takes three to four years for a tree to become fully established so it can withstand high winds. When planting trees, we use a cable and flange type tree anchor, on 30 gallon container trees and larger. Depending on the location, we sometimes stake 10 and 15-gallon standards, such as hibiscus, with six foot 5/8” metal rebar with 3/4” protective plastic tubing over the rebar. We use rebar for the standards because these are usually planted close to a structure and rebar minimizes visual impact. A couple months after we do a planting, we like to go back and check the tension to make sure there is enough give so a tree can still move in the wind.?EUR??,,????'??

There are a number of options when it comes to tree staking. The Berkshire Earthwings shown here are an alternative to wood stakes. No matter what kind of stake is used however, once a tree’s roots are established, it is important to remove staking material so it does not girdle the tree.

Stakes Are Key

?EUR??,,????'??We go through a large quantity of tree stakes. Using wooden stakes gets expensive, and it can be hard to find a large supply quickly. We use three anchors per tree on trees up to 2” caliper, and four anchors per tree on 2” to 4” caliper, five anchors on 4” to 6” caliper. On 6” to 8” caliper trees we use anywhere from 6 to 8 anchors per tree depending on the size and location. I have used 12 anchors on a 12” tree in an open area. Where we are, high winds and thunderstorms can do more damage than a tropical storm because they can have high gusts.?EUR??,,????'??

?EUR??,,????'??We have found it is easier for our installers to use an even number of anchors in large plantings. Installers have a harder time getting three anchors equidistant, which could lead to a weak spot.?EUR??,,????'??

?EUR??,,????'??We have also used anchors on berms and roadway buffers with a continuous row of cedars. We put anchors between trees and tie two trees to one anchor and go down the line that way. We need to do this because the bed-line is close to the tree. When you use this technique, you just have to be careful to stay within the weight limit of the anchor.?EUR??,,????'??

In general, all new trees should be staked. A tree from a nursery does not have enough roots to anchor the tree securely when it is replanted. It needs temporary support until new roots develop in the surrounding soil ?EUR??,,????'??? about a year and a half. The tree should be secured so the tree can move a little in the wind about a third of the way up. Tree movement stimulates diameter growth in the trunk and major roots.

In less windy locations, B&B trees with good root systems do not require stakes to hold them firmly in the soil because their root balls are heavy enough to prevent movement in moderate wind. Some may require staking if the wire basket is removed at planting, or if the roots are not firm in the root ball.

Pat Sullivan, the owner of Gulf Breeze Landscaping in Venice, Florida, adds, ?EUR??,,????'??Our work is 50% government, municipal and state ?EUR??,,????'??+ a lot of roadway and park work. All our trees have to be staked. In my experience, Berkshire Earthwings are fast to install and economical to use.?EUR??,,????'??

?EUR??,,????'??Everything has limits, though. We have had some pull out and tip over in a hurricane. The ground gets soaked with rain, the winds come, and there is not a lot of holding power. They have generally worked well. If you tie the stake to the tree too tight, the tree breaks off when the wind blows.?EUR??,,????'??

Multiple anchors on trees in open areas can be necessary if it is planted in a windy location. In the Southeastern part of the country, high winds and thunderstorms can do an extreme amount of damage when trees are newly planted.

Removing Stakes

Once a tree?EUR??,,????'???s roots are established, it is important to remove staking material so it does not girdle the tree. Twine or other tree tie material should be untied or cut. Wooden stakes can either be sawn off at ground level or pulled straight out of the ground. If you have difficulty pulling wooden stakes out, avoid wiggling the stakes back and forth too much, or you may damage the tree?EUR??,,????'???s roots.

After removing the wooden stakes fill the holes to prevent air pockets. To remove cable anchors, simply cut the cable slightly below ground level with cable cutters.

If you follow these practices for staking trees when they are planted, and then later removing them, you stand the best chance for success in windy situations.

Source: Berkshire Products, Sheffield, Mass.