How to Keep a Wood Trellis Stake from Rotting

Wood rot is a natural process, but it's not something you have to live with in your garden. Protect wood trellises and wood stakes from rot by following a three-pronged approach that first chooses quality wood, then protects and cares for the wood. Good air circulation and proper drainage help ward off wood rot, so avoid using the stakes in a boggy environment and prune plants so that air can circulate around your trellis.

Wood weatherproofing substance
Brush or rag
Sodium borate (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Begin with a naturally decay-resistant wood, such as cypress, Western red cedar or black walnut. These are hardier than other woods and provide a built-in resistance to rot, notes William F. Lyon of the Ohio State University Extension.
- 2
  Coat the trellis stake with a weatherproofing substance before using in the garden. Read over all instructions on your product before applying. Typical products have you first saturate the wood using a paint brush or rag, then allow the product to penetrate and dry, and apply another coat. Some weatherproof products may have you saturate the wood, allow the treatment to penetrate and wipe off excess product with a rag. Follow the instructions on your product.
- 3
  Allow the wood stake to dry thoroughly before using. Your product will specify a dry time to use as a benchmark.
- 4
  Insert the trellis stake into your garden only after treatment.
- 5
  Re-coat your stake with the weatherproofer every few years, or as often as recommended by your product.
- 6
  Halt rot with a sodium borate product, if you see signs of mildew or mold on the wood. Remove the stakes from the garden. Brush the sodium borate on to thoroughly wet the wood. Allow the wood to dry, then reintroduce into the garden.

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