As we approach the end of growing season, it is a great time of year to check the stakes and ties on your sapling trees. The grass has begun to slow down, hedges should be well shaped, and leaf collection will soon become necessary. This opens up the space for a review of the health of your trees.

Sapling trees will often need stakes for the first 18 to 36 months post-planting. This supports their growth, protects from wind, and helps roots develop as the tree is growing. Once the trunk is sufficiently strong enough, and the tree is able to withstand wind and damage from people, animals, or vehicles, then the stake is removed. This builds a strong foundation for the tree, leaving it with the best chance of survival in the years to come.

An issue that many new build housing developments and parks face, is that the stakes are too tight around a tree, or not removed soon enough. It is imperative that regular maintenance is performed on them.

Without a stake, wind rock can occur, which results in the tree being tipped by the wind. This can displace root systems and lead to long term misalignment of the tree. Another issue is if the tree compresses soil around the trunk, it can leave a hole around the roots. In the worst cases, this can lead to water settling around the base causing root rot.

When checking the ties, often first installed by developers, we look for the following things before removing. Firstly, is the tie in the right place? It should be no more than a third of the way up a tree. Are they too tight? Rapid growth over the summer can mean the tree outgrows it’s original tie, which can distort growth, reduce the flow of nutrients through the tree, and even lead to the trunk growing over the tie. Finally, we look to see if the stake itself has been placed too close to the roots. The stake should be hammered in either side of the roots, so if this is not the case we can replace the stake.

The benefits of checking and adjusting ties revolve around ensuring the long-term health of your trees. On new build sites, and any area where trees are a feature, they are central to the look and feel of the area. Not to mention the environmental benefits trees provide to air quality and in providing habitat for birds.

If you have recently checked your site and your trees are in need of some TLC post-growing season, give us a call on 0800 878 9099.

Checking your Tree Stakes and Ties