Download
1 / 23
240 likes | 452 Views
Staking. Plant Material Maintenance. Before staking a tree consider the consequences of staking :. Compared to un-staked trees, staked trees will:. 1-Grow taller and more spindly. A tree that has been staked too long may not be able to support itself after the stakes have been removed.
E N D
Staking Plant Material Maintenance
Before staking a tree consider the consequences of staking: • Compared to un-staked trees, staked trees will:
1-Grow taller and more spindly. • A tree that has been staked too long may not be able to support itself after the stakes have been removed. • Notice how the trunk is the same diameter along it’s entire length.
Proper trunk taper • The tree at the right exhibits proper taper; larger diameter at the bottom, then slowly tapering to a smaller diameter near the top.
2-Grow less in trunk caliper near the ground but more near the top support tie. • Reverse trunk taper may be a consequence of staking too long.
3-Develop a smaller root system. • Research has shown that when trees are staked for too long their root systems may not be as extensive as they normally would be. • Trunk movement signals the lower trunk and roots to produce increased growth. A better trunk taper and root system results.
4-Be subject to more stress per unit area at the support point than un-staked trees. • These staked trees have broken off just above the point of support. • Staked trees cannot “flex” in the wind as well as un-staked trees.
Un-Staked Tree Staked Tree wind support point This tree can “flex” support point
5-Be more subject to rubbing and girdling injury from stakes and ties. • The ties in the picture were left on for too long and have girdled the trunk.
When is support staking needed? • It is needed for trees whose trunks are not strong enough to stand without support… • or for trees whose trunks fail to return to an upright position after being bent over by strong winds.
Where should a tree’s trunk be supported? • At least 3 feet below the terminal leader, and… • At a point no more than 2/3 the height of the tree.
leader 10 feet x 2/3 = 6 2/3 feet or about 6’-8” 10 feet tall
How many stakes should I use? • Staking: 1-3 stakes • Guying: 3 anchors
How long should a tree remain staked? • Most research has shown that trees should be staked for no more than one year.
What types of materials can be used for staking? • Stakes: wood, steel rod, conduit, etc. • Tying materials: elastic webbing, belting, polyethylene tape, flexible tubing, etc. • Do not use hose-covered wire.
