Sorry @margaret005 - I've really confused things now. If you were able to just tie the stake in a few inches lower, I think it would be a better angle and therefore height, but if the stake is firmly into the ground, and it's secure on the tree and not rubbing the joint with that first couple of branches, it would be better to leave it. I'd cut a bit off the end if you can though
You wouldn't need another stake, unless you get a lot of wind really swirling in the garden there. That's real belt and braces for trees in very exposed conditions. If you did another one, you'd put it in facing the other way, so that the stakes form an 'X'. It would go on 'this' side of the tree as we look at the pic. That way, no matter which direction the wind's coming form the tree has movement, but is secure at the base.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
@Fairygirl I can try and knock the stake in a little bit more? It’s about 40cm in the ground. The tree and stake might rub further up but I’ve got some thin leather that I can put in between? Could I just lower the rubber tie a little bit? Sorry, I can’t stop worrying!
On a separate note, is it only me here that worries about everything garden related. I also worry if I think I’ve done something wrong and I’m really hard on myself. Is there a way around this? Sorry for the bizarre question!
While its worth trying to get something right like staking a tree, I have found that accepting the life and death of plants as normal makes it far less stressful.
You can always plant another, and change and experimentation is part of the fun.
If it's 40 cm into the ground leave it. Try lowering the tie a little, but to be honest, you're worrying far more than is necessary. Saw a wee bit off the end of the stake if you can, so that it doesn't catch the other branches. If the stake had been a bit lower down, nothing would rub, but, unless you can push the stake down towards the ground a bit, which is unlikely, just make the best job you can. If you see any signs of rubbing, especially after rough weather, something soft added as a buffer will help. The old pair of tights is ideal, or anything soft and breathable.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
If it's 40 cm into the ground leave it. Try lowering the tie a little, but to be honest, you're worrying far more than is necessary. Saw a wee bit off the end of the stake if you can, so that it doesn't catch the other branches. If the stake had been a bit lower down, nothing would rub, but, unless you can push the stake down towards the ground a bit, which is unlikely, just make the best job you can. If you see any signs of rubbing, especially after rough weather, something soft added as a buffer will help. The old pair of tights is ideal, or anything soft and breathable.
Okay Fairygirl I’ll try and stop worrying, I wish I could help but just worry what if it breaks etc etc. You know how it is 😂 (I think). Can I just use normal garden soil to top up around the tree?
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If you were able to just tie the stake in a few inches lower, I think it would be a better angle and therefore height, but if the stake is firmly into the ground, and it's secure on the tree and not rubbing the joint with that first couple of branches, it would be better to leave it. I'd cut a bit off the end if you can though
You wouldn't need another stake, unless you get a lot of wind really swirling in the garden there. That's real belt and braces for trees in very exposed conditions. If you did another one, you'd put it in facing the other way, so that the stakes form an 'X'. It would go on 'this' side of the tree as we look at the pic. That way, no matter which direction the wind's coming form the tree has movement, but is secure at the base.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
You can always plant another, and change and experimentation is part of the fun.
Saw a wee bit off the end of the stake if you can, so that it doesn't catch the other branches.
If the stake had been a bit lower down, nothing would rub, but, unless you can push the stake down towards the ground a bit, which is unlikely, just make the best job you can. If you see any signs of rubbing, especially after rough weather, something soft added as a buffer will help. The old pair of tights is ideal, or anything soft and breathable.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...