How to Tie a Knot for Staking Trees

Adding a support next to a young or recently transplanted tree is, more often than not, done incorrectly, according to horticulturist and associate professor, Linda Chalker-Scott, of Washington State University. Incorrect staking focuses the tree’s energy into growing taller instead of wider to be able to eventually support its own weight when the stake is removed. Improper staking can also harm the tree in other ways; tying a tree to the stake too tightly or using the wrong materials can cause wounds on the tree that make it susceptible to pests and disease.

Stake, no higher than 2/3 of the tree's height
Mallet
Flexible wire
Wire snips
Scissors
Rubber tubing
Pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Drive a stake that is no longer than two-thirds of the height of the tree into the ground with a mallet. The stake should be approximately 2 to 4 inches from the center of the planting hole. Place the tree into the planting site then back-fill soil around it.
- 2
  Cut two lengths of wire with a pair of wire snips that are long enough to wrap loosely around the tree and be crimped into a knot.
- 3
  Cut two lengths of rubber tubing with a pair of scissors that are as long as the wires.
- 4
  Slip one length of wire through the rubber tubing. This tubing will be against the tree, and its soft, flexible surface will prevent wounds.
- 5
  Wrap the rubber tubing and wire around the tree just above the lowest branches. Form a loose loop around the tree and the stake.
- 6
  Grab both sides of the wire ends inside the rubber tubing and use a pair of pliers to twist and crimp them together into a knot, securing the tree to the stake.
- 7
  Take the other lengths of wire and tubing and repeat the process for inserting, wrapping then securing the wire ends in a knot about a third of the way up the tree, determined from the bottom loop.

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