'Paul',

These quite informative and well illustrated sites will hopefully help
you with your deliberations.

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1141.html

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/c...ing_trees.html

I find that it is definitely best to provide support until the tree has
formed a secure root base (six years or more depending on its canopy)
and is able to withstand quite severe winds.

Good luck.

Regards,
Emrys Davies.




"Paul" wrote in message
news
Hello urg

I've been lurking here for a week or so now, and as a result have
probably doubled my meagre knowledge of gardening. I'd no intention
of
posting so soon (for fear of asking a dumb, or frequently-asked,
question) but as you all seem to be so polite, I thought I'd chance
it!

A few days ago I planted a Sorbus Joseph Rock - about 8' tall, with a
1"
thick trunk. I attempted to follow the planting instructions to the
letter, but unfortunately managed to break the stake whilst hammering
it
into the ground (heavy clay). So I just went ahead and planted it un-
staked.

I could fairly easily finish the job by hammering in a stake at an
angle
(to avoid the root ball), but this is going to look unsightly. My
question is, is this really necessary anyway? According to my
one-and-
only gardening book (The RHS Gardening Manual): "If you are planting a
tree in an exposed or very windy site, it is adviseable to stake it".
It's a town garden, and certainly not an especially windy one.
However, in all the gardening programs I've seen on TV, trees are
always
staked when planted, and the question of necessity has never even been
raised.

I would be particularly interested to hear from anyone (if there is
anyone!) who has planted trees unstaked, so I could benefit from their
experience. However, all contributions would be welcomed.

Many thanks

Paul