When to remove stakes?

[crumbsunderfoot]

How do I know when I can remove the supporting stakes alongside of my young trees?
They have been in place nearly two years now. The crabapple and fountain cherry tree are in a slightly windy area, hence my reluctance.

Thanks for your help!

 

[dafunk]

I would say thats plenty of time, but to be sure when you take whatever device thats holding them to the stakes off give the trunk a light push and see if the ground shifts. If it cracks or shifts I think it means the roots havent taken but it should be fine.

 

[tomtrees58]

one year is the rule here tom trees

 

[crumbsunderfoot]

thank you dafunk and Toms..... I will wiggle the trunks and likely get rid of the stakes, finally.

 

[S Mc]

Your young trees shouldn't require staking beyond a year. If you wigglle them and the grounds lifts or cracks, there is something wrong that staking probably will not help.

A tree is stimulated to develop its strength, taper and root growth through crown movement which staking restricts.

So yes, take off the stakes.

Sylvia

 

[treeoperations]

as soon as possible to aviod the tree becoming reliant on the supports, if your a little unsure i leave a extra bit of jute webbing sticking out so that i can loosen the ties by popping the staples and lengthing the tie thus giving the tree more movement with out letting it wrench its self from the ground.