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Should I leave my birch staked?

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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited October 2021
    @Fairygirl the second pic shows a close standard single upright stake with rubber ‘tie’ … the sort that is installed during planting when it can be placed carefully between the roots before the planting hole is back- filled. 

    Not a good idea to use that type of  stake when a tree has already been planted because of the risk of damage to the roots. 

    In that case I would use an angled stake so that it enters the soil away from the roots. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    That's what I indicated earlier @Dovefromabove, and is the type on the RHS link . I would always use it here, as there's always a wind, except for the type of tree, and planting site I described earlier. It's worth doing it [angled stake]  in both directions, especially if it's something more shallow rooted, or top heavy. I did that with my little apple trees  :)

    The 'double vertical' stake is often used for moorland or hillside planting up here,  because otherwise they'll grow at 45 degrees, or end up on the ground - horizontal   ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Hmmm... It's not particularly windy around here (Cardiff), although like everywhere we get the occasional howler. The fence does provide pretty good protection on three sides of the tree, too. Perhaps my birch doesn't need a stake any more. 
  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,089
    edited October 2021
    Hmmm... It's not particularly windy around here (Cardiff), although like everywhere we get the occasional howler. The fence does provide pretty good protection on three sides of the tree, too. Perhaps my birch doesn't need a stake any more. 
    If it was mine, i would cut the stake at about 12/18 inches, and buy a proper tie to be used only if a big blow is forecast. The idea is to stop the rootball from moving, not stopping the tree from flexing.
    You could nail the tie to the stake ready to be used if needed.
    Sunny Dundee
  • @Fairygirl the second pic shows a close standard single upright stake with rubber ‘tie’ … the sort that is installed during planting when it can be placed carefully between the roots before the planting hole is back- filled. 

    Not a good idea to use that type of  stake when a tree has already been planted because of the risk of damage to the roots. 

    In that case I would use an angled stake so that it enters the soil away from the roots. 

    I've already suggested that, it's a common practice world wide.
    But not a good idea in the opinion of everyone.
    The odds of damaging a bit of a root is minimal, a "blunt" point on the stake would likely move any part of a root out of the way if the ground isn't rock hard.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Just because lots of people make the same mistake, doesn't stop it being a mistake.
    Devon.
  • Hostafan1 said:
    Just because lots of people make the same mistake, doesn't stop it being a mistake.
    Ha Ha!
    You really do amuse!

    Keep it up!
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    edited October 2021
    Hostafan1 said:
    Just because lots of people make the same mistake, doesn't stop it being a mistake.
    Ha Ha!
    You really do amuse!

    Keep it up!
    so you're right, but the RHS is wrong
    Most of us have moved on from the 1970s. You should try and catch with us at some point. You might actually like it. 
    Have you still got the brown velour suite? 
    Devon.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    That handy ignore button really helps these days... :D

    @martinjpollardx2hllQmm - I reckon  that you could probably remove the stake altogether. 
    As @Balgay.Hill said - it's been there a good while, so the root system should be well established by now. It also looks healthy, so that also suggests it's doing well. Once the roots are well anchored, trees rarely need any further help.  
    The fact you've said it's also pretty sheltered, means it's probably not needing it now,  but Balgay Hill's further suggestion is worth bearing in mind too, if you're concerned at all.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Doghouse RileyDoghouse Riley Posts: 347
    edited October 2021
    Hostafan1 said:
    Hostafan1 said:
    Just because lots of people make the same mistake, doesn't stop it being a mistake.
    Ha Ha!
    You really do amuse!

    Keep it up!
    so you're right, but the RHS is wrong
    Most of us have moved on from the 1970s. You should try and catch with us at some point. You might actually like it. 
    Have you still got the brown velour suite? 


    You  really have a problem don't you?

    Shame.

    I've been PMd about it.

    I can sympathise,

    But it's no excuse for your poor board etiquette.

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