Experts often debate when to remove tree stakes, so it’s no wonder that amateur gardeners feel confused. In this article, Island Tree Service, your tree service experts in Fort Myers, FL, clear up the confusion once and for all. 

Why Is Tree Staking Important? 

When you learn more about trees, you’ll probably wonder if we should stake tree trunks at all. The short answer is that we seldom need to support newly planted trees, but sometimes it makes sense to. 

For instance, you might want to stake young trees if: 

• You live in a windy area.
• You’re going to have an exposed tree.
• The species has heavy foliage.
• You’ve had to prune the root ball, or it’s small, considering the trunk size.

The goal here is to hold the tree upright until it establishes a strong root system. 

When Remove Tree Stakes

The answer to when to remove tree stakes varies depending on a number of factors. Assuming your tree is in good soil and has plenty of water and nutrients, it should grow an extensive root system relatively quickly. Most stakes left in place for a year will do the job properly. 

This span of time not only allows the tree time to settle in but also sees it through its first growing season. Finally, it gives the root ball time to recover from the shock of transplanting and start to extend its reach. 

Leaving the stake in for longer than this can cause more harm than good. The wires holding the wood in place prevent the tree trunks from moving freely and may bite into them. The other danger is that the tree becomes too reliant on the stake and doesn’t send out enough roots. 

Of course, if you feel the tree is still relatively unstable, you might want to leave the support in place for a little longer. 

How to Remove Tree Stakes

First and foremost, you shouldn’t just pull the stake out on the anniversary of planting your tree. Follow these steps to make the process as painless as possible for your tree:

• Measure the diameter of the trunk and the tree’s height. You can remove the support if the tree is six feet tall or more with a diameter that is an inch or more. This can change from one species to the next, so be guided by how stable your tree looks. 
• Remove the twine or wires you used to attach the trunk to the stake. Be sure to get every piece off the tree without damaging it. If you leave the loop in place, it will cut into the bark as the tree grows. 
• Now, work on the stake itself. Loosen it by hitting it on the side with a hammer or mallet. Work at ground level to speed things up, and then wiggle the wood backward and forwards until you can pull it out easily. 
• Remove it and dust it off if you plan to use it again. If not, dispose of it as normal. 
• Fill in the hole the stake left, but check how moist the soil is first. 
• If necessary, feed and water the tree to further boost its health. 
• Now’s a good time to mulch if you haven’t already. 

Contact Our Team for Professional Advice

Are you still unsure when to remove tree stakes or even when to use them in the first place? That’s one reason why you need a certified arborist, but there are many others. Call Island Tree Service at (239) 463-5121 to schedule service, and let us offer professional consultation and advice on keeping your trees healthy.