1. Plant Material Maintenance

2.  Compared to un-staked trees, staked trees will:

3.  A tree that has been staked too long may not be able to support itself after the stakes have been removed.  Notice how the trunk is the same diameter along it’s entire length.

4.  The tree at the right exhibits proper taper; larger diameter at the bottom, then slowly tapering to a smaller diameter near the top.

5.  Reverse trunk taper may be a consequence of staking too long.

6.  Research has shown that when trees are staked for too long their root systems may not be as extensive as they normally would be.  Trunk movement signals the lower trunk and roots to produce increased growth. A better trunk taper and root system results.

7.  These staked trees have broken off just above the point of support.  Staked trees cannot “flex” in the wind as well as un-staked trees.

8. Un-Staked Tree Staked Tree support point wind

9.  The ties in the picture were left on for too long and have girdled the trunk.

11.  It is needed for trees whose trunks are not strong enough to stand without support…  or for trees whose trunks fail to return to an upright position after being bent over by strong winds.

12.  At least 3 feet below the terminal leader, and…  At a point no more than 2/3 the height of the tree.

13. 10 feet tall 10 feet x 2/3 = 6 2/3 feet or about 6’-8” leader

15.  Staking: 1-3 stakes  Guying: 3 anchors

16.  Most research has shown that trees should be staked for no more than one year.

17.  Stakes: wood, steel rod, conduit, etc.  Tying materials: elastic webbing, belting, polyethylene tape, flexible tubing, etc. ◦ Do not use hose-covered wire.