It doesn't really matter now Learnincurve, but you could have short-staked the trees; you don't need to have a tall stake to allow for growth. (You will not need to attach the trees at a higher point than they are now, so the bit that sticks up above the ties is redundant). You can stake much lower as the picture below. 5 years is also a bit long to leave the stakes in. Take them out when the trees are firmly rooted. Again a small amount of wind rock will stimulate strong, wind resistant roots. If you leave the stakes in for 5 years there's a risk that the trees will become 'used to it', and develop large crowns with weak anchor roots.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
the stake should also be no more than 1/3 the way up the trunk, the more flexing the tree does in the wind the more roots it will put out.
You could always cut the stake off shorter, also you can take the tree spirals off as unless you have a deer or rabbit problem there's no need for them and they give bad critters places to hide.
Re the staking method I agree with WillDB, treehugger80, Hostafan1 and ... myself.
Here is a pic of my malus 'Evereste', with the staking post reduced to a much shorter height than originally, thanks to my friend Rob's advice. I took the stake off after less than 2 years and my tree has now grown a strong trunk and---hopefully---a strong rooting system.
Well that frost has been a thing, few deaths but most have survived or though what worries me is that it's supposed to be colder tonight. On the plus side my Aquilegia Mckana Giant Hybrids have germinated.
Wolf blanket is judging all those fools who got cocky and put out baby plants under poly tunnels.
I got my little production line all up and running in the corner of my back garden
None if you will you will the window from which tea can be passed through, it was during the taking of this photograph that I realised that the lawn is entirely comprised of dandelions.
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It doesn't really matter now Learnincurve, but you could have short-staked the trees; you don't need to have a tall stake to allow for growth. (You will not need to attach the trees at a higher point than they are now, so the bit that sticks up above the ties is redundant). You can stake much lower as the picture below. 5 years is also a bit long to leave the stakes in. Take them out when the trees are firmly rooted. Again a small amount of wind rock will stimulate strong, wind resistant roots. If you leave the stakes in for 5 years there's a risk that the trees will become 'used to it', and develop large crowns with weak anchor roots.
the stake should also be no more than 1/3 the way up the trunk, the more flexing the tree does in the wind the more roots it will put out.
You could always cut the stake off shorter, also you can take the tree spirals off as unless you have a deer or rabbit problem there's no need for them and they give bad critters places to hide.
I'm with WillDB's staking method.
Thanks for the advice everyone, I'll put taking a saw to them on the To Do list and underline it in red pen.
Really great job and super enthusiasm. It will be absolutely fab when you've finished I am sure.
Re the staking method I agree with WillDB, treehugger80, Hostafan1 and ... myself.
Here is a pic of my malus 'Evereste', with the staking post reduced to a much shorter height than originally, thanks to my friend Rob's advice. I took the stake off after less than 2 years and my tree has now grown a strong trunk and---hopefully---a strong rooting system.
Crab apple-tree planted autumn 2014.
above: 29/09/2015 (with short stake)
above: 21/05/2016
above: 10/04/2017
Well that frost has been a thing, few deaths but most have survived or though what worries me is that it's supposed to be colder tonight. On the plus side my Aquilegia Mckana Giant Hybrids have germinated.
Wolf blanket is judging all those fools who got cocky and put out baby plants under poly tunnels.
I got my little production line all up and running in the corner of my back garden
None if you will you will the window from which tea can be passed through, it was during the taking of this photograph that I realised that the lawn is entirely comprised of dandelions.