The supporting life
Everyone appreciates a bit of support at some time in their life. As with people, so with trees, the majority of which need plenty of support when they are young and at their most vulnerable. If the roots are not anchored securely into the ground, winds can damage them or, in extreme circumstances, simply pull the young tree from the soil.
December is a popular time to plant bare-rooted trees and the normal way to do the task is to dig the hole as wide as the root system but a little deeper. Break up the excavated soil and form a mound at the bottom of the hole and then compress the soil. Lay the roots across the mound, spreading them as wide as possible and then gently push the tree down, aiming to have the trunk of the tree centrally placed over the top of the dome.
Sprinkle a layer of around 50-100mm of the finest soil over the roots, aiming to fill as many voids as possible. Firm this soil again and continue until you have filled the hole. If the tree still seems unsteady, then give it a stake to provide that important support.
Even better – hammer the stake into the ground before you plant the tree. This will ensure that you don’t break any roots.
Then tie the tree to the stake. Not too high – no more than a third up the tree.
Don’t use string, wire or any material that could bite into the bark and allow as much slack between the tie and post so the tree can bend a bit in the wind.
And place the stake upwind of the tree so that it provides the most support.
Remove the stake and tie as soon as it’s clear that the tree has produced a strong root system capable of withstanding the worst of weather. Normally, a tree will be established between 18 months and three years.
There are some exceptions to the rule, notably trees grown on dwarf root stocks may take a little longer.
They need to be staked for longer and some may need to be supported for their entire lives – just like certain people.
If you plant a tree make sure it has the right anchoring, writes David Overend.