On Sat, 8 May 2004 23:07:55 +0100, "Brian"
wrote:

A newly planted tree always deserves and needs support for several years.
Use a stake at about 4' away from the stem~~ Hammered in well at about 45
degrees. Fix with a good 'elastic' tie when upright. Inner tubes make the
best ties.
Best Wishes. Brian.
Never leave the stakes on more than a year or two. Beyond that and
the tree becomes dependent, or just gets injured by whatever is
holding it to the stakes. After 2 years, the tree should have rooted
into the native soil. If it hasn't, you have bigger problems than
staking.

Running wire through hose and around the tree is no better than just
the wire. Inner tube with no wire inside is not a bad choice (as was
mentioned above, elasticity is good). Just remember that anything
wrapped around a tree trunk or branch has the potential to act as a
noose and kill everything above it. If the tree grows to a point
where the guying material is tight against the trunk all around,
loosen or replace it with a longer loop.

If the tree in question is a tall whip with a little bit of leaf
growth on top, a stake may reduce its ability to develop a stronger
trunk. Stake it if need be, but go by every day and shake it to flex
the trunk. The movement will make the trunk stronger and eventually
you will be able to remove the stakes. If it can't make it after 2
years, remove the stakes anyway and deal with the results as you must.

If it is stouter and has branches distrubuted all along the trunk,
count yourself lucky, and leave the low branches on as long as you are
willing, as they will increase trunk taper and make a stronger tree.
Don't stake unless it had a very small root ball (if it was easy to
blow over on level ground while in the container or burlap, staking is
important--if not, don't bother), was a bare-root planting, or it will
be in strong winds. DO NOT try to compensate for a top-heavy form by
planting deeper. The root crown needs to breathe and it is better to
plant too high than too low. Most container-grown trees are potted
too deeply already, and you may need to remove some soil from the
tree's base if this was a container tree or if you planted deep.

good luck,

Keith Babberney
ISA Certified Arborist

For more info about the International Society of Arboriculture, please visit http://www.isa-arbor.com/home.asp.
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