How Long Should You Keep a Tree Braced?

When Staking is Required

• Often, newly planted trees are staked unnecessarily. In general, the smaller or younger the tree, the less likely it is to need staking. Typically, those plants needing support are any bare-root plants that are more than 8 feet tall; 6-foot-tall container plants or plants whose root balls are wrapped in burlap; or any trees with a diameter greater than 1 inch. Staking may be warranted where there are strong winds, the tree has a disproportionately large canopy, a narrow and long trunk or the tree otherwise refuses to stay upright at planting.

Support Basics

• Stakes should be inserted into the soil just outside of the root ball, and multiple stakes should be spaced evenly around the tree. Ties in contact with the tree are wide and flexible to avoid cutting into the tree. Place ties 6 inches above the lowest level on the trunk where you can hold the tree while bending the canopy and still have the canopy return to an upright position. The ties securing the tree to the stakes must be somewhat flexible to permit some movement. This is necessary for the tree to develop flexible strength.

When to Remove Support

• Remove any stake or support that is attached to the tree when it is sold or for transport, as this stake is intended to protect the tree trunk during handling and transport. In general, all staking inserted after planting should be removed within about one year of planting. For trees that were planted in the fall, you may be able to remove supports the following spring. Rather than plan for support removal within a year, you may opt to use biodegradable ties designed to break down, eliminating the need for removal. Of course, it is a good idea to at least check these materials to make sure they are breaking down and do not pose a girdling threat.

Maintenance and Possible Problems

• Check the support regularly to make sure the ties or stakes are not rubbing against the trunk or branches, cutting into the tree bark or otherwise negatively affecting the tree. Tree growth is actually hindered if supports are used unnecessarily or left in place for too long. Trees staked for too long tend to grow taller, with a narrower base, smaller root system and weaker trunk. Girdling also becomes more likely when ties are left around the trunk for too long.