On Thursday, June 13, 2013 6:44:07 PM UTC+1, Wendy Tinley wrote:
We have a self-set Mountain Ash in our urban front garden. I would say

it's been growing for about four to five years and is now about seven to

eight feet high. The nearest building is 30 feet away.



My intention is to let it grow as is but both my neighbour and window

cleaner say I should stake it as the wind will make it grow bendy

against the prevailing wind. We are far from exposed but when it is a

bit blustery the sapling does whip around.



My feeling is I shouldn't stake it and I've read two articles on-line

stating that staking is not required.
Does anyone have any opposite opinion?
Thanks in advance.

Wendy Tinley

SE Sheffield

4 miles west of junction 30 M1

If it's self sown it'll be fine without staking. The flexing of the stem helps to strengthen it.

Rod