Thank you Dave and Sarah, you seem to confirm my misgivings: that a long
stake, although often spoken about and shown in books, is not what is
needed.
The reason for the stake I thought was to keep the roots undisturbed while
the tree "takes"; what it should not do is damage the branches (this was my
concern).
Thus short, sturdy, deep in the ground and carefully banded to the tree's
trunk.
I planted the trees exactly as Sarah recommended - very easy, even on your
own.
BTW The trees are dwarf, about 85 cms trunks and a bit over 2 meters overall
in height.

Robert

"Sarah Dale" wrote in message
news
On Mon, 25 Nov 2002 20:40:36 +0000, DaveDay34 wrote:

This weekend I bought and planted four short fruit trees. The trunks
are at
the moment about 75 cms long before branching starts. Should'nt the
stakes
just be a bit longer than the trunk? (I am worried about damaging the
branches as they chafe against the stake.)
The tree-seller (reputable) tried to sell me 2 meter stakes but I didn't
feel that was right.
What's the best thing to do?
Robert


It's not clear from what you've said exactly how large/tall the trees
are, but
I'll try to give you some general advice that will suit most, if not all
circumstances/situations.

Robert,

Further to Dave's excellent general advice, I'd just like to add if you
have bought fruit trees on dwarfing or very dwarfing root stock, they will
need a traditional vertical stake. The height of this stake should be the
height of the main stem, to or just a smidge below / above the place where
all the branches start coming out. If the branches are widely spaced
around
the trunk, you may be able to get a longer stake in.

Don't forget you need to bury approx 1 - 2 ft / 1/3rd of its general
length of the stake so as to give it good support so it can support the
tree!

BTW, it is nearly always easiest to dig the hole, knock the stake in, and
*then* plant the tree - it saves breaking roots and disturbing the tree
later.

Don't forget to water your trees in well, and keep doing so while they
establish (though don't let them freeze!) - and water generously next
spring and summer.

HTH, Sarah
(NB - I planted new fruit trees last autumn)