Tree Planting 2 – Staking and Guying

Landscape | O n S i t e s
Tree Planting 2 – Staking and Guying
Objective: to demonstrate and ensure crew
members have an understanding of why and how to
stake a tree.
Training Supplies: tree stakes or T-bars, wire,
rubber or nylon tree straps, PVC pipe or high visibility
tape, PPE.
Lesson: Staking or guying
newly-transplanted trees is
necessary in sites that are
exposed to high prevailing
winds. Small trees (up to 2” in
diameter) rarely require staking.
Trees planted in very sandy
or very wet clay soil should
also be staked. Other reasons
for staking include protection
against vandalism, lawnmowers
and other types of equipment.
However, short stakes placed
strategically around the tree
can provide the same protection
against mechanical damage
from equipment, without the
guy wires.
Research has shown that
unstaked trees had a
greater trunk diameter than
corresponding trees that were
not staked. It is thought the
subtle movement of the trunk
in unstaked trees promotes the
translocation of fluids up and
down the trunk causing greater
growth.
stakes are placed in line with
the prevailing wind direction and
driven into undisturbed soil. Ties
are attached to the tree, usually
at the lowest branch.
Larger trees are supported
with guy wires. Guy wires are
attached to three stakes driven
45 cm into undisturbed soil,
with one stake placed in the
direction of the prevailing wind.
Ties are attached to the tree as
high as is practical, with each
attachment point 15 cm apart
from each other. The axis of the
stake should be at 90 degree
angle to the axis on the pull of
the guy wire.
Install PVC pipe around guy
wires for protection and
visibility. If this is not possible,
tie flags or tape to the wire so it
is more visible.
• Staking or guying
newly-transplanted
trees is necessary
in sites that are
exposed to high
prevailing winds.
• Guy wires and
stakes and ties
should always be
removed after one
growing season.
Leaving them
on will result in
girdling of the
trunk.
If staking is necessary, follow
the planting specification for
number of stakes, the height of
ties and stake and tie materials.
Trees under 2.5 m tall can be
supported by two stakes. The
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Canadian Nursery Landscape Association
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