Planting
Staking newly planted trees
Number of stakes, placement and ties that do no harm
Staking keeps a newly planted tree stable while the roots establish. This guide shows how many stakes the tree needs according to trunk girth, how the stakes are positioned in relation to the wind, which ties do not damage the bark, and when the staking should be removed again. The number of stakes follows the University of Copenhagen's guidance.
Assess whether the tree needs staking
Staking is a choice, not always a necessity (KU Videntjenesten). Small trees in sheltered locations can often stand freely, while larger trees, trees in windy locations or with a lot of traffic should be staked until the roots have taken hold.
Choose the number of stakes according to stem girth
The number of stakes follows the trunk girth of the tree (KU Videntjenesten): 1 stake for a trunk girth up to approx. 10–16 cm, 2 stakes for approx. 14–20 cm, 3 stakes for approx. 20–25 cm, and 4 stakes with cross-bracing/yoke for larger trees. Always use at least two stakes if the tree is exposed.
1 postgirth ≤ 10–16 cm2 postsgirth 14–20 cm3 postsgirth 20–25 cm4 posts + yokelarger treesDrive the stakes in outside the root ball
Drive the stakes into firm ground outside the root ball so that you do not pierce or damage the roots. The stakes must stand firm — they take up the wind load while the roots grow in.
Place the stakes towards the prevailing wind
With two or more stakes, they are placed so the tree is supported against the prevailing wind direction (in Denmark typically west/south-west). The wind then pushes the tree towards the stakes and the band rather than away from them.
Tie low on the trunk
Tie the tree low on the trunk — as a guide at a height of approx. 60–80 cm, especially for the smaller tree sizes (KU Videntjenesten). A low tie lets the crown sway slightly, which strengthens the trunk, while the root collar is kept still.
Tie height (indicative)≈ 60–80 cmUse ties that do not cut into the bark
Use ties that do not damage the bark: canvas-reinforced rubber ties or straps of hessian/jute are strong and durable (KU Videntjenesten). Preferably fit a spacer block between trunk and stake so the bark does not rub against the stake.
Tie tightly with one stake, more loosely with several
With 1-stake staking, tie tightly so the stem is held against the stake. With 2–3 stakes, the stem can be tied a little more loosely so the tree may sway slightly. Avoid tying the band so tightly that it cuts in as the stem grows thicker.
Check the ties at least once a year — a trunk that thickens can quickly be strangled by a tie that fitted well at planting.
Remove the ties after establishment
Loosen and remove the tie once the tree has taken hold — typically after approx. 3–4 years (industry guidance, indicative). A tree that is tied for too long never gets to develop a strong, self-supporting trunk.
Service life of ties (guideline)≈ 3–4 years
Source
Based on the University of Copenhagen, Videntjenesten Park og Landskab, fact sheet 05.01-18 (tying trees — number of stakes by trunk girth, tie type); supplemented with trade guidance (Havehandel.dk), marked as indicative.