It’s a generations-long habit for many gardeners and landscapers, but 90% of the time, a new tree needs no staking. In fact, staking a sapling usually does more harm than good.
I see it everywhere, every spring: newly planted trees staked with wires like they’re being held prisoner. I give each tree a glance, and it’s evident that most are planted too deep – no root flare can be seen. And at the base of the trunk, the burlap that surrounded the root ball is peeking up from the soil (burlap should always be removed because it doesn’t decompose in the planting hole).
Poor tree – it won’t be in this world for long. This is the kind of “shade” I throw when walking my dog – silently and with an eye roll, of course.
Why staking can be harmful to a tree
Staking a tree that does not need it can do more harm than good. Movement of the trunk helps strengthen it by thickening it and giving it taper from bottom to top. Trunk movement also stimulates root growth. So although staked trees might grow taller faster than their unstaked counterparts, their trunks are weaker and their root systems are less developed.
Fine Gardening
It seems logical that a sapling might need a little help to remain straight and upright in its first few seasons. But providing support is counterproductive to long-term tree health and what’s happening underground.
When you stake a tree, a dependent relationship is created between the tree and its stakes. The result is the sapling doesn’t develop properly. Specifically, its trunk and roots do not grow as needed for the site.
Staking also restricts the development of the xylem, the vascular tissue that conducts water and nutrients up from the roots and helps form wood. The tree may also develop wounds as the wires or material rub against the young bark.
The root of the problem
When it has “help” via wires and stakes, the tree has no need to grow a robust root system and a strong trunk that will anchor it through thick and thin. When supported with stakes, the tree will grow tall but not as strong or wide as it needs to be for the site. Later, when you remove the stakes, the undeveloped trunk and roots make the tree vulnerable to easy breakage of limbs and may be blown down in high winds or hurricane. Conversely, when a tree is not staked, it responds independently to water, light, and wind and its trunk and roots grows accordingly.
Linda Chalker Scott from the University of Washington provides a good explanation: “A comparative example is what is seen when forests are cleared for housing development. A few trees near the center of the stand are left on the lots; these trees are tall and skinny with well-developed crowns. But in the first good windstorm, down these trees come. They have lost the supportive protection of the surrounding trees and are unable to stand alone.” (see the link below for her article on staking)
Staking a tree can cause other problems, too
Additionally, improper staking can cause severe damage to the tree. Suppose the tree is tied too tightly to the stake. In that case the tree can become girdled, meaning the bark is unintentionally removed in a strip around its circumference. This weakens and sometimes kills the tree. At the very least, it limits the tree’s growth and long-term health.
Too-tight staking can also cause the tree’s trunk to grow unevenly. If the trunk above the wires can move, but not below, the upper portion of the trunk may become thicker than the trunk below the wires. This impacts the smooth travel of water and nutrients up and down the trunk. Conversely, when a tree is tied too loosely, the bark is constantly rubbed, which may cause wounds that never heal correctly.
When is it okay to stake a tree?
Sometimes, it’s perfectly correct to stake a tree:
- If the sapling’s root ball is underdeveloped compared to the trunk and crown. But if you discover this is the case with a tree you bought at a nursery, you should return it asap, as it indicates improper care. Planting it may lead to a host of other problems.
- If you’re planting on a slope, in very wet soil, or on an extremely windy site.
- If you’re planting in containers on a rooftop garden, where the tree will be exposed to wind. In a container, the roots don’t have enough soil to anchor properly, so extra support is appropriate.
- In urban areas where there is poor soil (from pollution, foot traffic, etc.) In these areas, stake the tree for the first season and provide loose protection around the trunk to guard against people, animals, and mechanical equipment. After the first season, remove the stakes and wires. It’s optional to leave the trunk guard on, but it must be resized every season to allow for trunk growth.
- In certain agricultural growing conditions, like dwarf apple trees.
- In ornamental gardens where the trees are being shaped.
If the situation is appropriate and a landscape tree requires staking the first season, use sturdy metal or wood stakes to anchor the tree. Never use wire or rope between the stakes and the tree as it may damage the bark in serious ways. Instead, use a soft material such as old t-shirt fabric or old pantyhose. The tree needs to move, not be held captive and the soft material won’t damage the bark.
Remove the stakes as soon as possible so the tree can develop correctly. To determine if the tree is ready, push gently on the trunk and look at the root area. The tree should appear anchored, and the root ball should not be moving. If that’s what you see, remove the stakes.
Sources: The Myth of Staking, Linda Chalker-Scott, Washington State University (pdf download); To Stake or Not To Stake, Fine Gardening; Dos and Don’ts of Tree Staking, LSU Ag Center; Stake or Not To Stake, That is The Question?, Purdue University Landscape Report.
“If you’re planting on a slope, in very wet soil, or on an extremely windy site.” Happy to hear you recommend to stake in these instances!
Trees are the source of life, they should always be taken care of
Great article. I just planted my magnolia tree a few months ago and was not sure if I should have staked the tree or not. I decided not to. I’m glad I didn’t after reading this article. Thank you