Staking trees

[DrewMc]

Is there a way to tell if my apple/pear trees need to be staked down? I've read some people say they do it to all their trees and some say only if necessary because it can hurt a tree that doesn't need it.

 

[H20fwler]

In my area it gets pretty windy so I stake everything the first few years. When trunks are a couple inches thick they are usually fine to be on there own.
Rootstock has a lot to do with it also the more dwarfing the more support it usually needs and for longer.
Be sure to leave a little play while staking so tree can naturally sway a little it helps it become strong.

 

[yoderjac]

Is there a way to tell if my apple/pear trees need to be staked down? I've read some people say they do it to all their trees and some say only if necessary because it can hurt a tree that doesn't need it.

Some highly dwarfing rootstock trees require permanent support. Most semi-dwarf do not. In general you only want to support a tree to keep it from breaking or uprooting. Trees need to flex. If young trees are bending too much because of fruit load, thin them.

One thing I like to do with apple trees is to limit then rather than staking them. My apple trees require cages to keep them safe from deer. I use remesh (cement wire). I simply thread a piece of rope through the wire and then back and tie the ends together. I do the same 90 degrees to the first one. This forms a square around the trunk of the tree that is about 5" on a side. The tree can flex in the wind, but if the wind gets too string, the rope will limit the amount the tree can go.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[greyphase]

I'm embarrassed to admit this but I screwed up and tied my trees tight to the stake. After a couple of years when the garden tape I used started to break my trees were like noodles, falling over against the cages. I went with a heavy string like Jack did to give them some sway, but still have several that have not "stiffen up" yet. So as it's been said above if you go with a stake leave the tree some room to sway in the wind.