Staking is crucial for newly-planted pleached trees as they establish themselves in the soil over several years. During this initial period, tree stakes provide vital support, preventing wind-induced rocking and stabilising root systems. This support is essential for ensuring the tree grows straight and strong, promoting healthy development and protecting against potential damage from adverse weather conditions.

Staking Pleached Trees: A 6-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Kit

Before planting, gather your staking kit including two wooden stakes and rubber ties. Use one kit per tree being planted. If you have access to a stake driver, this will make this process of hammering the stakes in easier.

Step 2: Position Stakes

Place the stakes at opposite ends of the planting hole to avoid damaging the tree's roots.

Step 3: Secure Stakes

Hammer each stake vertically into the ground at least 40cm deep to ensure a solid support structure. Additional staking may be necessary for very windy areas.

Step 4: Protect the Trunk

Position the tree upright and securely attach it to the support stakes using the rubber ties. Rubber is ideal here since it is both durable and does not cut into the trunk.

Step 5: Regular Monitoring

Check the tree ties regularly to ensure they are not too tight against the trunk as the tree grows. Adjust or loosen ties as necessary to accommodate the tree's development.

Step 6: Aftercare

After around two to three years, assess whether the tree has established sufficient root and trunk strength to support itself. Remove the stakes by pulling them out of the ground carefully and filling any resulting holes with topsoil.

Tree Staking Kit

For optimal support and stability, we highly recommend adding our Tree Staking Kit to your order. They are affordably priced and designed to give your new trees the best start. Our double staking kit is suitable for trees with clear stems from 150cm to 200cm, consisting of two 180cm stakes and rubber ties.

Further Resources

RHS: How to Stake a Tree