Staking new trees down, how to cheaply?

[modern_pioneer]

With now more than 50 new trees going in this Friday & Saturday, what can I use to stake them down in three point system?

I have never planted new trees, and need some help. I have lots of string/rope on hand as well as old garden hoses.

So am I on the right track?

TIA

 

[hoosier]

I am not an expert, but I have heard the advice to stake newly planted trees has been changed. It seems that they develop a stronger root system if they get blown about a bit by the wind.

 

[patandchickens]

Yeah, you just want to stake them enough that they won't actually keel over in a really hard wind Small enough trees (like 2-3') may not need it at all, unless in an extremely windy or extremely boggy-wet place.

Best thing I know of is a stake of 2x2 or any other similar sized scrap you have lying around. It drives in a lot easier if one end is sharpened or at least cut at a sharp angle. Don't bother with rebar or other thin things like that, as they tilt too easily in the soil. If necessary you can cut appropriate lengths of saplings (nothing that will root!) or dead branches, but they may not last real well.

Put the stake in before planting the tree so you don't inadvertantly sever one of its big roots when poudning the stake in; it should be just outside the root ball (or main part of roots for a bareroot tree). Upwind side only is usually fine except in an extreme site; leave a bit of slack in the tether.

Have fun (that's a lot of trees to plant!),

Pat

 

[DrakeMaiden]

Yes I have also heard that minimal staking is best. I usually go without, but if the tree in question is prone to tilting around, I will put two stakes in the ground (one on each side, and driven outside of the planting hole) then I tie the string/rope around the stakes, just to give a loose supporting line on two sides for the tree -- note that I don't actually tie the string/rope around the tree at all. Does that makes sense? Boy, I am NOT a technical writer. LOL

 

[justusnak]

Well, as everyone has said....no real need to stake them. UNLESS, they are on a hill...wet area...windy area. We have planted trees here every year since we bought the place.(4 yrs now) The ONLY reason we staked a few of them...they are in the front, where the wind is very strong. After the first year, the stakes came out. Oh, and as stated...dont tie the guide rope tight. Give the tree moveing room, so the roots can strengthen "naturally" Since we only stake the first year, we just use branches from the woods. No need to buy, and use "good" lumber! Have fun planting ALL those trees! :/

 

[sufficientforme]

I am in a very windy area so I have to stake all newly planted trees for the first few years. I buy the round tall wooden garden stakes from home depot for around 1.50 each, they last a long time and we are able to reuse them for future trees. I put a 12" piece of cut off hose around the rope I am using to protect the bark and tighten the rope occasionally due to the constant wind loosening them. Talk to your local nursery, they may be able to order poles in bulk for cheaper. Happy planting!

 

[Mackay]

OMG! I'm suppose to stake trees?

I planted 5 cottonwoods last summer. We get winds at 50 to 70 mph during storms up there. Going this week. Will see if they are still standing.

 

[reinbeau]

If you do stake trees, do so loosely. Letting them sway in the wind helps build strong trunks, and also strengthens the root system.