FAQ: Removing stakes from trees

Q: When should I remove the stakes from newly planted trees?



A: This question comes up a lot and, no wonder. There is a lot of debate on this subject. Some experts say young trees should be staked for their first year. Others say no, arguing that staking keeps trees from developing the strong root system they need by not allowing them to move freely in the wind. I come down somewhere in the middle of this debate. If a young tree seems fine without staked, don’t use them. But if you buy a tree that’s really tall for its root ball (as I did this spring, a bare root nannyberry), I would use stakes to support it until you feel it can stand alone safely — no more than one year. I would also recommend staking if you’re planting in a sandy area.