It seems simple enough. Throw a stake into the ground, attach a tie and wrap the tie around a tree. Make sure the tree is supported and move on. Well, it?EUR??,,????'???s not that simple. Sure once you get the proper methods down it becomes pretty easy, but there are a lot of things to consider when using tree ties. Natural Tree Development From the moment the primary stem breaks through the earth?EUR??,,????'???s crust as it emerges from the epicotyl, the tree seedling begins adapting to the surrounding natural environment. Atmospheric weather conditions coupled with the continuous growth place the young tree in a state of constant motion. The continuous circular - back and forth movement causes a stretching of the cells at the root crown, which is the transitional area where the primary root becomes the primary stem. The stretched cells have increased storage capacity and are able to take on more food. The enlarged cells have increased ability to resist wind. This process continues up the trunk and continues up the tree. The tree will stand alone without the aid of artificial support as it continues to grow. Containerized Tree Development Nursery methods practiced for the production of container grown trees are not that of the natural environment. The young tree is prevented from developing a strong trunk. The tree is staked in order to encourage the straight tree trunk. This staking prevents the tree from the circular swaying back and forth caused by the natural environment. The cells do not become enlarged at the base of the trunk; therefore the tapering of the trunk does not occur. The tree, in reacting to its surroundings, will develop the trunk strength necessary to be tied to a stake. Studies done by Wonder Tree Tie Inc. indicate that it is not the root system that plays the major role in trunk strength development, it is through the movement of the primary stem that strengthens its bond with the primary root. Therefore, staked containerized trees do not learn how to support themselves. Trees develop a tolerance for the wind from the wind itself. They are the products of their environment. They react to the changes in their surroundings. Tree ties force the trees to react to the new surroundings so they can begin to establish themselves in the environment. Tree ties absorb the sudden and unexpected pressure placed on a tree by the changes in atmospheric weather conditions. So now that you what tree ties do, what is the best way to install them? First let?EUR??,,????'???s start with what not to do. According to David Napolitano of Wonder Tree Tie Inc. the most common mistake he sees Landscape Contractors making is putting the ties too high on the tree. ?EUR??,,????'??Ties are usually installed too high up on trees,?EUR??,,????'?? he said. ?EUR??,,????'??If you remove all the stakes and with your hand grab the trunk so that the top of the tree can stand up, you will find that it is actually low.?EUR??,,????'?? Napolitano suggests installing ties about one-third of the way up the trunk, which will allow the tree to 77sway in the wind. ?EUR??,,????'??That?EUR??,,????'???s how it will develop the tapered trunk,?EUR??,,????'?? he said. Introducing the Container Grown tree Into the Natural Environment Often these trees are unable to stand upright on their own once the nursery stake is removed. The inability to remain upright, which is an unnatural characteristic, developed as the tree reacted to the unnatural surroundings of container growing. When planting the container grown tree it has become generally accepted and widely practiced procedure to remove the nursery stake. The under developed strength of the trunk is correctable and should not be considered as a sign of unhealthiness. The tree has the ability to correct this deficiency. This tree with the proper method of artificial support (tree ties) will begin the natural process of developing the trunk strength necessary to stand-alone. Doug Heim, General Sales Manager with U.S. Rigging Supply said that one common mistake he sees Landscape Contractors making is staking trees too tight. ?EUR??,,????'??That?EUR??,,????'???s probably the most common mistake I see,?EUR??,,????'?? he told LCN. ?EUR??,,????'??It can really injure a tree especially with the wire ties.?EUR??,,????'?? Improper tree staking methods have caused serious injury and even death to trees. Napolitano has found the following tree staking procedures to be the quickest and safest way to correct the issue of under developed trunk strength while also protecting against damaging windy conditions: ?EUR??,,????'???? Position the tree ties around the trunk at the lowest point where the tree will remain upright. In doing so the trunk will begin building strength at the base beginning the tapering process. ?EUR??,,????'???? Tree ties shall not girdle, scar, mark, restrict circulation, impede growth, constrain movement or have the ability to cause any damage to the tree, its bark, branches or limbs whatsoever. ?EUR??,,????'???? Tree ties shall grip and hold the trunk securely while it waves around in the atmosphere, making sure that the tree ties do not slip down the trunk, lose their shape or become stretched. This will insure the natural upright growth and eliminate the possibility of the tree developing with a lean. ?EUR??,,????'???? Tree ties shall provide a cushion in which to absorb the pressure that is created by the sudden and unexpected changes in atmospheric weather conditions such as wind. Acting as the buffer zone between the stake and the tree will eliminate the possibility of wind damage. ?EUR??,,????'???? Tree ties shall self-adjust with the trunk as girth increases in size therefore eliminating the need for periodic adjustments. Tree ties shall self-release from around the trunk when no longer required. Remember, don?EUR??,,????'???t put those ties up too high, make sure they fit snug and let the tree move with the wind.