Is the Consensus Now Amongst Landscape Professionals That One Should Not Stake Newly Planted Trees?
The age-old question of whether newly planted trees should be staked has long been a topic of debate among landscape professionals. While there is no unified consensus, certain guidelines and best practices have emerged based on scientific research and professional experience.
Guidelines from the International Society of Arboriculture
According to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the ANSI A300 guidelines, tree staking is only necessary when absolutely required. The ANSI A300 specifically states that tree staking should be done only when needed, not as a general practice. However, it is crucial to remove the nursery stake tied against the trunk, as this can cause harm to the tree if left in place.
If staking is deemed necessary, it should ideally involve at least two stakes positioned on opposite sides of the tree, or even three stakes in a triangular formation. The stakes should be positioned at a distance from the trunk and should be tied in a way that allows for some trunk movement, thus stimulating root and trunk growth.
Expert Opinions on Tree Staking
Landscape professionals generally agree that staking is not always necessary. According to certain experts, staking should be considered on a case-by-case basis. For instance, during windy seasons or when environmental conditions are harsh, staking can provide additional support to prevent trees from toppling over.
However, other experts assert that staking is still necessary under certain circumstances. For example, when newly planted trees are in exposed locations, they often require staking until their roots have developed sufficiently to support them in windy conditions. This can take anywhere from a year to several years, depending on the specific conditions.
Landscape architect Jane Doe notes, In my experience, where newly planted trees are in exposed locations, they need to be staked until their roots have developed enough to support them in windy conditions. That could be a year, or possibly longer. Wind can knock over newly planted trees, especially those with a lot of foliage, which acts like a sail.
Post-Staking and Natural Adjustment
Once initial staking has been done, allowing the trees to adjust to wind and weather conditions over time can help them become stronger and more resilient. Landscape designer John Smith explains, I know of no such consensus. Where newly planted trees are in exposed locations, they need to be staked until their roots have developed enough to support them in windy conditions. That could be a year possibly longer. In sheltered locations, staking can be dispensed with if the main stem is strong enough to retain verticality.
It is important to remember that every tree is unique, and the best practice can vary based on the species, the soil conditions, and the specific environment in which the tree is planted. Under certain circumstances, staking remains a crucial tool in ensuring the survival and healthy growth of newly planted trees.
Stake trees for their first season if necessary. After that period, allowing them to self-adjust for wind and weather exposure can help them grow stronger roots and a more resilient trunk. However, staking should be done judiciously and with the goal of promoting the tree's natural growth processes.
Conclusion: While the consensus among landscape professionals on the necessity of staking newly planted trees is not entirely clear, it is essential to approach this practice thoughtfully and based on specific environmental and situational factors. Proper staking can provide the necessary support for trees to thrive, especially in challenging environments, but should not be done as a blanket practice.