Do fruit trees need to be staked?

Rather than making the tree stronger (as intended), staking often weakens a tree, particularly when done incorrectly. A tree that’s tied too tightly to a stake will become dependent on the support. Later, when the stake is removed, the immature trunk goes floppy, making it prone to snapping. Also, tight ties can damage the bark and girdle the tree, and badly placed stakes may damage and break branches.

A young tree that’s allowed to move freely in the breeze responds to the movement by expanding its anchoring root growth and broadening the girth of its trunk, making the tree more stable.

Having said all that, there are times when staking a young fruit tree is justified. If the tree will be regularly exposed to high winds, you should probably stake it, although fruit trees produce better in protected positions, so consider planting a windbreak or finding a different spot. You may also decide to stake a tree if playful kids or animals could knock it about, or if it’s already in the ground toppling over and needs straightening.

How to stake fruit trees

Drive one or two stakes firmly into the soil beyond the root ball of the tree. To prevent damage, the ties should be strong but also wide and flexible. Wide strips of fabric, pantyhose or rubber from the inner tube of a bicycle wheel are ideal. Tie in a continuous loop around the trunk and stake, loose enough to allow the tree to move and sway. Remove the support as soon as the tree is standing firmly on its own (normally after one growing season).

For more advice on fruit trees, including how to pamper them mid-winter, check out this article.

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