When it comes to staking trees, too many gardeners choose the former option. It is true that there are situations when a young tree is thankful for some mechanical aid, but not as often as many gardeners imagine. Furthermore, even when staking is beneficial to a newly planted tree, it usually remains so for only a short period of time. Staking a tree that does not need it can do more harm than good. Movement of the trunk helps strengthen it by thickening it and giving it taper from bottom to top. Trunk movement also stimulates root growth. So although staked trees might grow taller faster than their unstaked counterparts, their trunks are weaker and their root systems are less developed.
Key Takeaways:
- Tree experts advise us today that tree staking after planting can and often does more harm to a tree.
- Today, we know that most newly planted trees do not require staking and can suffer from it.
- Staking a tree after planting is not always detrimental to the tree. In fact, it is sometimes a really good idea.
“Studies have shown that trees left to dance in the breeze generally live longer, stronger lives than trees staked when young.”
Read more: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/should-you-stake-trees.htm