STAKING AND GUYING LANDSCAPE TREES

​

Staking or guying landscape trees on exposed sites can be an important ingredient of successful tree planting in the Great Plains. While current research seems to suggest that such practices may be more harmful than good, or are unnecessary, such is not the case on exposed, windy sites typical of much of Kansas.

 

The root ball of a newly planted but unstaked tree will tend to roll or pivot in the ground, resulting in tree lean or blow-over. In addition, trunk movement from strong wind, at or below the soil line, will break the root ball, destroying roots and resulting in a wobbly tree. Such a plant will usually die because constant movement will prevent root establishment. These problems can be avoided by proper staking or guying of a newly planted tree.

 

Most deciduous trees 5 to 6 feet or larger are candidates for staking when planted on an exposed site. The larger the tree, the more important it is to provide extra support. Usually, a deciduous tree up to 1.5 to 1.75 inches in caliper (10 to 12 feet in height) can be staked using the method illustrated in Figure 1. A tree larger than this will need to be supported by a three-way guying system (Figure 3).

 

An upright evergreen 4 to 5 feet or larger should be staked or guyed on exposed sites. A tree less than 6 feet in height can be supported by staking, but you may find it easier to install the guying method because of low limbs and plant density. Evergreens more than 6 feet in height require guying.

 

Staking and guying of a tree must be done properly, and the system must be maintained. It is best to avoid using wire and cable around the trunk, but if support must be provided in this manner, be sure to protect the tree by running the wire through a length of rubber or vinyl hose to serve as padding.  Commercial rubber, nylon, or vinyl ties are less likely to damage the tree and should be used whenever possible. The wooden stake should not rub against the trunk.  A properly installed tie will separate the tree trunk from the stake, providing a cushion. Other staking systems or newer staking technologies may be appropriate for use in certain circumstances. Contact your district or community forester for additional information.

 

Support the tree low on the trunk. The purpose of staking or guying is to prevent movement of the lower trunk and root system. Movement of the top is desirable and will strengthen the tree.

 

Check a staked or guyed tree monthly during the growing season and after storms or strong wind.  The system should be snug, but not to the point of making an impression on the stem or trunk. If that happens, loosen the tie or wire around the trunk. Do not stake or guy a tree any longer than necessary. Stakes should be removed after one growing season, but may remain in place for a second season only if addition support is required.

​

 

STAKING SPECIFICATIONS:

​

When working with a nursery, make sure to specify size and location of trees to be staked.  On exposed sites, stake deciduous and upright evergreen trees immediately after planting with a 2 x 2-inch x 5-foot stake as follows: 

​

(1) position the stake along the west side of the tree so the prevailing winds will move the tree away from the stake (Figure 2.); 

​

(2) drive the stake (pointed on the downward end) 12 to 18 inches into undisturbed soil outside the planting pit at a 45-degree angle, crossing and supporting the trunk 18 to 24 inches above the soil surface (Figure 1); 

​

(3) secure the trunk to the stake using commercial ties or a wire tie protected by a rubber/vinyl length of hose or pad in a loose figure eight shape so the bark will not be injured and the trunk will not rest against the stake

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

GUYING SPECIFICATIONS:

​

Specify the size and location of trees to be guyed when working with a nursery.  On exposed sites, deciduous and upright evergreen trees should be guyed immediately after planting with a three-way system (Figure 3). Drive three 2 x 2 x 18-inch support stakes 10 to 12 inches into the ground at approximately 120 degrees from each other, outside the planting pit. Position stakes so that guy wires will be located at 45- to 60-degree angles from the ground. Guy wires should be No. 9 wire or larger and attached to commercial ties or pass through a rubber or vinyl length of hose so the wire does not come into contact with tree bark. Generally, wire support should be located near the lowest main branches on the tree. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

This publication is made available in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service. Brand names appearing in this publication are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned. Publications from Kansas State University are available on the World Wide Web at: www.oznet.ksu.edu Contents of this publication may be freely reproduced for educational purposes.  All other rights reserved.  In each case, credit Kim Bomberger, Staking and Guying Landscape Trees, Kansas State University, September 2005.