Staking a young tree helps provide it with that much needed support before the roots have had the chance to fully grow out and establish themselves. Staking a bare root and a potted tree has slight differences in the method; with this guide we’ll explain how to stake a tree in both forms.

Trees need a certain amount of room to move if they are to develop a strong trunk and roots which provide a healthy, natural anchorage. For this reason it’s important to give the tree enough space to move and to remove the tree stake after one growing season. Failure to do this could result in the tree snapping under pressure as it matures. If you’re planting the tree in a sheltered site, you may not need to stake your tree at all.

How to stake a bare root tree

First, for bare root trees you’ll want to place the stake into your hole before you have planted the tree. This will prevent any damage to the roots. As bare root trees generally have more spreading roots they will be able to support themselves more and so we recommend only using one stake.

Your stake should reach roughly to just below the branches, this will prevent any of the branches scraping up or snapping against the stake. You can saw the stake down to the required height after you have planted the tree.

Use a broad, smooth cord to tie your branch to the stake so not to cut or scrape away at the trunk. We recommend tying the cord in a figure of 8 to keep the tree secure but also to give it room. The ties shouldn’t be much higher than 2/3s up the trunk.

How to stake a container grown tree

With a containerised tree the roots are generally less spread out as they have been restricted to a pot; for this reason we recommend using two stakes instead of one.

Plant the tree first and then plant the stakes as to not disturb and break the soil around rootball. Remember how large the rootball is as it is important not to drive the stake through it as this will damage the developing root system and with some tree varieties it will lead to death.

Tie the steaks to your tree, in a figure of eight and the tree should now be well supported as it establishes itself. Remove the stakes after one growing season to promote more natural strength and flexibility.

Commonly asked questions

How tight should you stake a tree?

It’s wise not to tie your tree stakes on too tightly as you’ll be likely to restrict the tree’s growth. Soft and flexible ties should be used to prevent the tree trunk from being “strangled” as it grows.

Will staking a tree straighten it?

The best way to straighten a young tree is to support it with a stake. If the tree is older or fully grown, it won’t have the same effect.

When should you not stake a tree?

If your tree is a year old or more, it will typically have established its roots in the ground. If there’s a lack of movement at the roots of your tree then you likely will not need to have a stake in place as your tree will be established.