Will also sound like a stupid question but, do the tree stakes need to be a certain width?
You'll want something about 6ft long and 3 inch diameter ish. If you buy a specific "tree stake" they'll be standard sizes, or you can just buy some treated wood stakes of similar dimensions. It's all the same thing, just something sturdy enough that it won't bend or break, and long enough that you can put it in the ground and tie the tree at a decent height.
Evening all, so I’ve now got some 60cm long tree ties and two stakes. I can make the stakes go UP TO 20 cm apart from the stem and intent to put two stakes in, will this be far away enough? My stakes are just under two inches thick, and 6 meters long.
When you put the stake in just think of a triangle the tree and the ground are 90° and the stake will compleat the triangle. Looking at the pictures you will need to remove the wire fence around the tree, as that is about the distance away to hammer in the new stake, and you will need 45cm ish in the ground and the stake should end up at about the height of the lowest branch. Hope this helps @margaret005
When you put the stake in just think of a triangle the tree and the ground are 90° and the stake will compleat the triangle. Looking at the pictures you will need to remove the wire fence around the tree, as that is about the distance away to hammer in the new stake, and you will need 45cm ish in the ground and the stake should end up at about the height of the lowest branch. Hope this helps @margaret005
Oh ok, I was looking at putting the stake or two stakes vertically into the ground?
This is the sort of thing @purplerallim is talking about @margaret005 Sorry it isn't a very good photo, but you can see the general idea of the stake at an angle. This method also helps avoid roots, as it's well clear where it goes into the ground. The head of the stake [an old broom handle] is pointing into the direction of the prevailing wind. West-ish here.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Hi fairy girl, oh I see ok, would a two inch wide stake be big enough? So the tip of the stake needs to point in the same direction that the wind blows? The tie I’ve got is a thick rubber one that is 60cm long, is there a good way to secure it properly? Also where should the stake meet the tree, as in how far up/down the trunk.
Also I looked on the RHS website and it says container grown trees which mine was, should have two stakes one either side and an angled stake is usually used for trees on slopes.
I’m not trying to disagree with anyone just trying to use the best method
I'd say so - the broom handles are about that, or maybe less. The tip is pointing to the direction the wind comes from. The idea being that when the wind blows, the stake is held firm, and the tree is therefore secure. A bit like on a windy day, we lean into the wind to stay upright @purplerallim describes the type of angle and where the end finishes, but it isn't an exact science. Roughly 45 degrees is about right, and the end would be at around the lowest branch height, as you don't want it rubbing or catching, If it's slightly short, it won't matter, but if it's a bit long, you can either knock it further into the ground, or take a bit off. The tie should be attached firmly to the stake, then tied securely round the trunk, but not cripplingly tight. Where it meets the trunk will depend on the length of the trunk, but if the angle is right, that isn't relevant.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Sorry I’m feeling rather dumb tonight 😂 so in this photo, the wind usually blows from the left to the right. So would my stake (badly drawn red line) be in the correct position? Should it be lower or higher? Sorry that my message is a bit basic haha
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Looking at the pictures you will need to remove the wire fence around the tree, as that is about the distance away to hammer in the new stake, and you will need 45cm ish in the ground and the stake should end up at about the height of the lowest branch. Hope this helps @margaret005
Sorry it isn't a very good photo, but you can see the general idea of the stake at an angle. This method also helps avoid roots, as it's well clear where it goes into the ground. The head of the stake [an old broom handle] is pointing into the direction of the prevailing wind. West-ish here.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Many thanks
I’m not trying to disagree with anyone just trying to use the best method
@purplerallim describes the type of angle and where the end finishes, but it isn't an exact science. Roughly 45 degrees is about right, and the end would be at around the lowest branch height, as you don't want it rubbing or catching, If it's slightly short, it won't matter, but if it's a bit long, you can either knock it further into the ground, or take a bit off.
The tie should be attached firmly to the stake, then tied securely round the trunk, but not cripplingly tight. Where it meets the trunk will depend on the length of the trunk, but if the angle is right, that isn't relevant.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...