Oops I forgot to put the photo in! 🙄 so if that red line is my stake, is it pointing the right way? The wind blows from the left hand side of the picture to the right hand side.
I don't think it's too bad for height, but it should be a bit longer, so that there's about the same length on each side of the trunk if possible, and it would cross the trunk just above half way from soil level to lowest branches. Difficult to attach your ties if the stake is a bit short. That allows the tree to move in the wind, and toughen itself up. Just make sure you firm the soil in well around the roots too.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Ok so it’s almost in! Want to try and get it down 60cm but it’s proving difficult! So in the photo I think it’s at about the right angle? I’m having to hold the tree somewhat upright, is that ok? Also in the back I can see a lateral branch will rub against the stake, would a bit of leather in between stop that rubbing?
Sorry, @margaret005 - I got involved in something else and didn't see this thread for a bit. @Fairygirl's angled stake should be fine. I just suggested two vertical ones because it worked for me, and because I find banging in vertical stakes easier than trying to position a diagonal one.
If you have a commercial tree tie, it ought to have come with a "spacer" to hold the stake away from the tree so they don't rub. If there's a branch likely to get damaged because of the position of the stake, and you can't position the tie and spacer to prevent this, I'd try to cushion it with something squishy - and leather might work. You'd have to check it periodically.
Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
So this is what I’ve done so far guys, should the tie be a little higher? I think the stake is about 40cm in so far, will try to get a sledgehammer tomorrow!
If it's in 40 cm, it'll be fine @margaret005 . The ridged part of the tie should be against the trunk though. That helps to hold it steady, but without rubbing. Don't worry too much. Take a look tomorrow and sort it then. Your tie can't really be higher,as it's right at the lower branch
Sorry @Liriodendron - I didn't mean to dismiss your two stakes method! Many trees are done that way too, especially in wilder areas where wind batters from every side. I know what you mean about trying to angle the stakes too
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
No worries @margaret005. It can sometimes seem very complicated, and that's often because we understand what we mean, but don't always convey it very well! As @Liriodendron says - as long as you check the tie on a regular basis to see that it isn't rubbing, and make sure everything seems solid and secure enough - the stake, the tree roots etc, it'll be fine. I can vouch for using old tights as ties too - I saved the ones my daughters had for school
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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so if that red line is my stake, is it pointing the right way? The wind blows from the left hand side of the picture to the right hand side.
I don't think it's too bad for height, but it should be a bit longer, so that there's about the same length on each side of the trunk if possible, and it would cross the trunk just above half way from soil level to lowest branches. Difficult to attach your ties if the stake is a bit short.
That allows the tree to move in the wind, and toughen itself up. Just make sure you firm the soil in well around the roots too.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks guys!!
If you have a commercial tree tie, it ought to have come with a "spacer" to hold the stake away from the tree so they don't rub. If there's a branch likely to get damaged because of the position of the stake, and you can't position the tie and spacer to prevent this, I'd try to cushion it with something squishy - and leather might work. You'd have to check it periodically.
So this is what I’ve done so far guys, should the tie be a little higher? I think the stake is about 40cm in so far, will try to get a sledgehammer tomorrow!
The ridged part of the tie should be against the trunk though. That helps to hold it steady, but without rubbing.
Don't worry too much. Take a look tomorrow and sort it then. Your tie can't really be higher,as it's right at the lower branch
Sorry @Liriodendron - I didn't mean to dismiss your two stakes method! Many trees are done that way too, especially in wilder areas where wind batters from every side. I know what you mean about trying to angle the stakes too
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Sorry for the constant questions I’m the biggest worrier you’ll meet 😂 for gardening anyway!
As @Liriodendron says - as long as you check the tie on a regular basis to see that it isn't rubbing, and make sure everything seems solid and secure enough - the stake, the tree roots etc, it'll be fine.
I can vouch for using old tights as ties too - I saved the ones my daughters had for school
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...