How well could a tree Survive if I...?

[Kordave12]

How well could a tree survive if I were to drive a wooden stake into the tree? Would the tree die from the drilled hole? Or would the stake act as a covered wound and it would grow around the wooden stake?

I don't want to kill the tree. It's a lovely tree. But I have my own reasons for sticking the wooden stick into the tree... I'm not crazy, I promise.

 

[ATH]

How big of a hole and how big is the tree?

A 1/4" stake in a 16" diameter tree won't make a difference. A 3" diameter stake in a 4" diameter tree will.

There a vampire stuck in the tree that you are trying to get at???

 

[Jason Douglas]

Try garlic instead.

 

[buzz sawyer]

Only hurts trees that grow in Transylvania. Depends on size of tree and stake - Like ATH said.

 

[Kordave12]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I'm thinking a 3/4 inch stake. About 6 or 7 inches into the tree with a diameter of about 16". Possibly multiple stakes.

How long would it take for the tree to heal it's wounds and tighten around the stake? Or would it possible reject the wooden stake and shrivel away from it? Loosening the stake.

Thanks again!
-Dave

 

[ATH]

More likely that the wood stake will rot.

You tying to make steps?

 

[Kordave12]

Yes. I am. Want to go up at least 10-15 feet. So the stakes won't last very long would they? The tree wouldn't accept it like a graft?

 

[buzz sawyer]

The tree will try to compartmentalize the stake - grow around it but it may rot off long before that, depending on what kind of wood you use. I wouldn't use treated wood. Each stake runs the risk of introducing infection into the tree. If you go through with it, maybe rinse them with alcohol first?

 

[Kordave12]

Hm... Very interesting thought @buzz sawyer I definetly will have to try that! But if it's the right kind of wood. And fairly natural, what would be the best case scenario?

 

[ATH]

Is a strap on ladder out of the question?

Why not bolt boards onto the surface of the tree?

 

[jomoco]

Way back in the 70's we drove 12 inch long nails every foot or so up the trunk of a date palm, makin it easier to walk right up like a ladder, lasted decades, to my later embarrassment!

Get er done boy!

Jomoco

 

[treeseer]

I have an elm that I drilled with 1/2" holes obliquely to bang in rebar for a permanent ladder, left side and right.

Codit was great.

 

[jomoco]

There's a customer with some kinda spruce or somethin in the aderondikes, gettin eaten by bugs from the bottom up Guy!

He needs professional certified help, over in homeowner help.

Gotta lake right next to em, touchy situation.

A thrilling challenge in detective work.

Jomoco