Tree stakes help ensure a newly-planted tree establishes well and doesnât move about too much in the soil, damaging its roots. Apart from young,small trees (shorter than about 140cm (4.5ft)), almost all benefit from staking for the first few years after planting, though it is a particularly important task in windy gardens, on slopes, and when planting trees with a broad crown.
Trees, whether container-grown or bare-root, are best planted between October and April and itâs important to insert tree stakes at the point of planting, to provide support straight away and avoid damaging the rootball. Most tree nurseries, garden centres and DIY shops sell tree stakes and ties, so pick these up when choosing or ordering your tree.
There are a number of different staking methods, depending on the shape and size of the tree and the site it is being planted on. Our step-by-step guides below coverhow to stake a young tree using a single angled stake and a double stake. Options for larger trees are covered at the bottom of the page.
Whichever method you choose, a tree stake should be buried at least 40cm (16in) into the soil.
Tools youneed to stake a tree:
- One or two wooden tree stakes of an appropriate length
- Tree ties (with or without buckles) â rubber or plastic ones are durable and long-lasting but
Anything that can be decomposed by fungi, bacteria and micro-organisms, so it doesnât persist indefinitely in the environment. Biodegradable plastics are usually made from plants, such as bamboo, rather than fossil fuels. Ideally, products that claim to be biodegradable should break down quickly and leave nothing harmful behind. However, they may need specific conditions in order to biodegrade successfully or may produce greenhouse gases such as methane in the process.
- Rubber spacer
- Claw hammer and nails
- For double stakes - a wooden crossbar, screws and an electric drill
- A sledge hammer or club hammer
- A second pair of hands to help with larger trees/stakes
Top Tip
A single angled stake is sufficient in the vast majority of cases. As a general rule, if you can lift the tree then one stake is all that is needed. Double stakes are best used for semi-mature trees and pleached trees.
