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Stake recently planted apple tree

Jason CookJason Cook Posts: 139
in Fruit & veg

Hi,

 

I recently (3 weeks ago) planted a 3 year old apple tree. It looks to be doing well, but i think it needs staking as it wobbles quite a lot in the wind.

I was thinking of putting a stake in a few (3-4) inches from the trunk, but im concerned about driving it through the roots below.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated?

Thanks

Jason

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,131

    I would use a diagonal stake, as shown here http://rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=208 

    I know it suggests using this for trees on sloping sites, but it's also useful for other purposes too.  

    Staking this way keeps the roots stable whilst allowing the trunk of the tree to flex in the wind and build up it's own strength. 

    image


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





  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,327

    Or you could use 2 short stakes either side of the root ball, though you may need especially long tree ties (or 2 joined together) each side .

    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114
    Depending on the rootstock, some trees need staking for their entire life.
  • Jason CookJason Cook Posts: 139

    Thanks everyone, think i'll try the 45 degree angle

    Jason

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