If a new, small tree is planted, the support should also be considered here. Because the roots are not yet firmly anchored in the ground, the small plant can quickly tip over in strong winds and a lot of moisture. However, there are several methods that can be used to support a tree and professionally tie the tree to a stake.

Why tie the tree?

When the wind is strong, even the small crown of a tree can act like a lever on the still young roots that are not yet properly anchored. And even prolonged rain over several days can soften the soil so much that the roots can no longer take root properly here. If the tree stands without support, there can be constant movement in the subsoil, and newly formed fine roots then quickly tear off again. This results in a poor supply of nutrients and water. However, if the trees are firmly anchored, they can take root in peace. There are three different methods available for this:

  • vertical pole
  • tripod
  • sloping pole

The anchor

In order for the construction to last at least two to three years, proper work must be done. Wooden posts are offered as tree supports in hardware stores, which are particularly suitable for the supports presented here, because they have been pressure-treated and are therefore more durable than self-made wooden posts. When choosing the posts, the following must also be taken into account:

  • Length depends on the height of the trunk
  • The stake should reach 10 centimeters below the base of the crown
  • Always calculate the part that disappears into the ground
  • therefore always purchase a longer post
  • drive it far enough into the ground
  • can always be shortened above with a saw
  • Use coconut rope as binding material
  • does not cut into trunk
  • tie in the shape of an eight
Note: You should definitely pay attention to the height of the post used. Because if this is too high and extends into the crown, branches can be damaged by the wind. If it is too low, the crown can no longer be properly supported and the crown can break off in strong winds.

vertical post

The vertical stake is particularly suitable for supporting young trees with bare roots and tall stems. These plants usually only have a small root ball. In order to properly support and tie the tree, the vertical stake should be handled as follows:

  • a good grip is important
  • Post right next to the trunk
  • just a hand’s breadth
  • set up directly with the planting
  • drive the wooden stake into the ground first
  • insert the new growth right next to it
  • Fill the planting hole with soil
  • make sure both are straight
  • Secure about a hand’s breadth below the crown with coconut rope
  • wrap in a figure eight for better grip
Tip: Make sure that the tree stake is always attached on the west-facing side. Because the prevailing wind comes from western directions. The tree could hit the pole if it is attached on the other side and, in the worst case, break.

tripod

If larger trees with a wide root ball are already being planted or if they have to be supported later, then a single post is usually not sufficient for support. Because of the thick roots, this tree support cannot be used close enough to the trunk, otherwise the root system would be damaged. When inserting the tripod, ideally proceed as follows:

  • Find vertices for an imaginary triangle
  • Trunk should be right in the middle
  • Support above the post ends with slats
  • Half-round timbers are also suitable
  • simply screw them horizontally to the posts
  • Tie the tree just below the crown
  • a coconut cord to each of the posts
  • here too tie in a figure eight
Tip: In order to set up a tripod, it is helpful if you have a second person at your side. Especially if the construction is carried out later, the trunk must be pushed slightly to the side when the posts are hammered in, so that damage to the bark can be avoided.

Inclined stake

If a tree, a so-called heister, grows with its crown just above the ground, then a sloping post is suitable here to support the plant. This includes, for example, multi-stem deciduous trees and many coniferous trees. When installing an inclined pile, the ideal procedure should be as follows:

  • Align and position tree
  • Planting hole should remain open
  • Adjust the stake at an angle
  • with sufficient distance to the root ball
  • at a 45° angle to the ground
  • in the south or north direction seen from the trunk
  • Drive a stake deep enough into the ground
  • should be really firm and no longer tilt
  • bend the tree to the side to protect it when hitting it

The tree support should not protrude more than ten centimeters laterally over the trunk and must be shortened with a saw if necessary. When the earth is filled in, the tree must be straightened again. Then the tree is fixed to the tree support with the coconut rope in a figure eight.

Tip: If you hit the pole, you should look at it from the west. The post is in the right position when it ends about a hand’s breadth before the trunk after it has been hammered into the ground.

Required tool

Before the tree support can be set, the required material and tools should be collected. This can be obtained directly with the new plant in gardening shops and hardware stores if they are not already in the shed anyway. So the construction of the supports involves the following:

  • sufficiently long wooden poles
  • Coconut cord of sufficient length
  • Rubber mallet for tapping in the posts
  • Scissors to cut coconut cord to the right length
  • Saw to shorten posts if necessary
Tip: Depending on which tree support you want to put on, it is helpful to get a second person to support you. If you work alone, it can happen that the tree or the tree support or both are not straight afterwards.
Kira Bellingham

I'm a homes writer and editor with more than 20 years' experience in publishing. I have worked across many titles, including Ideal Home and, of course, Homes & Gardens. My day job is as Chief Group Sub Editor across the homes and interiors titles in the group. This has given me broad experience in interiors advice on just about every subject. I'm obsessed with interiors and delighted to be part of the Homes & Gardens team.

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