Planting a Tree? Great! Skip the Tree Stakes

Tree stakes are definitely not a tree’s friend. Trees that are planted properly should be exposed to wind and natural movement so their roots and wood become stronger. Tree stakes restrict the tree’s natural movement below the stake. This often results in weak wood below the staking point where the tree isn’t allowed to sway.

Additionally, the wires, straps, and braces rub on the tree trunk and damage the bark, causing injury to the tree and its vascular system, which runs right under the bark. They also retain moisture. This is a recipe for allowing pathogens easy access to the tree and weakening its defenses.

The worst thing about tree stakes is that most people never remove them! This girdles the tree. The tree does its best to continue to grow, but incorporating wires, rubber, rope, or ties into the tree permanently inhibits the transport of water and nutrients through the trunk and weakens and then kills the tree.

Remember, trees naturally respond to their environments by putting out stabilizing roots and developing strong wood. Staking a tree robs it of these natural responses and shortens its lifespan significantly.

If you purchase a tree from a commercial nursery, and they plant it for you, tell them to skip the stakes. Homeowners are busy, and most never think about removing the stakes until they notice the tree is declining. Tree planting services don’t return to remove the stakes and don’t provide the owners with instructions or reminders to do so. The most generous warranties on trees generally only cover the first year of the tree’s life in your landscape. It’s only after that when the stakes’ damage becomes apparent.

So, save some money and the eyesore of ugly steel tree stakes and guy wires! Set your tree up for a long life by allowing it to grow strong naturally.