The Problem with Tree Stakes

At Root Cause, we are on a mission to "STOP THE TREE STAKE." We walked around Seattle looking at young trees to see some examples of why we think tree stakes are unnecessary on most trees. Many times these stakes can harm young trees in their development by trapping moisture between the plastic and the tree trunk which will cause decay and create a weak point on the tree. In nature, trees need time to develop a strong root system on their own, but a stake can prevent the tree from having that opportunity. Now, we know that tree stakes are often required on projects. In this case, we recommend that the chain not be put tightly around the trunk of the tree, and that the stakes remain in place for NO MORE THAN ONE GROWING SEASON.

[@gailbisho1958]

I'm taking mine off right now! Thank you

[@MoneyShot702]

1 season lol. Depends where you live, I'm on the edge of town in Vegas and wind gusts coming across the desert are very very destructive. Up to 80mph gusts sometimes with the occasional 50mph sustained for the whole day. Wood stakes snap right off so I use metal fence posts with the plate at the bottom. Yes I give them room to sway but I wouldn't dare unstake them after a year, especially the Chinese pistache with slim trunks when they are young.

[@kristianeransbarger9704]

This advice may not be widely applicable. What if you like in an area of high wind?

[@harryrock169]

Whether you think or believe the Stakes fitted good or bad , but shaking them back & forth damaging somebody else’s work is a bit disrespectful

[@pnwtechie9146]

Great but we have cedar trees along the fence line up in Snoqualmie and when we removed the stakes two of them started to blow over. What do we do instead?

[@briank592]

So the thesis is the apllication of stakes is your concern. Not the stakes themselves.

[@RobertNazarov65]

Just staked my nectarine that’s in the ground about 6ft tall but has been leaning slightly most of its life. Now I wonder if I should take it off.

[@hutchydivine9694]

I took mine off but the top is starting to lean as thw growth is top heavy to one side (towards the sun)

[@DOLfirst]

What about top heavy trees like hydrangea trees or new fruit trees? Any suggestions?

[@DrRock2009]

Use 16mm rebar for a stake. Won’t snap, won’t rust. Check out Chiltern Heritage Orchards for video on how to plant a fruit tree. 👍

[@DOLfirst]

@@DrRock2009 thank you

[@DrRock2009]

@@DOLfirst anytime! 👍

[@drillsergeant623]

Makes sense, don’t stake it, break it.