Please can someone advise on staking young apple trees,height four to five feet. I did read somewhere that apple trees of this height shouldn't need staking. thank you, Minty.
We get a lot of swirling winds and bent plants in a very sheltered garden. Unless you are certain you don't, stake it. A stake and strap is cheaper than your tree.
What it really depends on is the rootstock. Some rootstocks have to be staked forever; some can dispense with a stake after some years. Look on the RHS site.
Thanks for all your reply's, I didn't know the rootstocks made a difference.The lady where I am buying them seemed quite horrified when I asked if stakes were really neccesary, and said yes.I think she said they would be on semi dwarf rootstock with an eventual height of ten to twelve feet.
Funnily enough it isn't the prevailing wind that does the damage. Trees do get used to the normal direction. But if a gale comes from a different quarter - that does the damage. But, yes, if in doubt, stake and replace the stake if it rots.
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It depends entirely on their position. If it is windy and exposed and you want a straight tree, you need to stake them.
We get a lot of swirling winds and bent plants in a very sheltered garden. Unless you are certain you don't, stake it. A stake and strap is cheaper than your tree.
swirly winds, exposed, 4-5 fooyt trees - stake until established I reckon! 45 degree stake against prevailing wind.....
But from personal experience, to avoid bark damage and subsequent canker problems, use a soft wrap between the stake/tie/tree
What it really depends on is the rootstock. Some rootstocks have to be staked forever; some can dispense with a stake after some years. Look on the RHS site.
I will have a look on the RHS site.
Funnily enough it isn't the prevailing wind that does the damage. Trees do get used to the normal direction. But if a gale comes from a different quarter - that does the damage. But, yes, if in doubt, stake and replace the stake if it rots.
Good Luck Minty.
Good luck with your trees.