To Stake or Not to Stake

Hosts John Greenlee and Jackie Cicchino discuss the advantages and disadvantages of staking young trees.

Why to stake:

• When a breeze moves the stem of a plant, chemicals called cytokinins are released.
• Cytokinins cause cells in the stem to thicken and enlarge, strengthening a plant's tissues.
• If a tree is staked, the stem doesn't move and cytokinins are never released.

Why not to stake:

• Over time, the artificial support provided by stakes actually encourages weak, thin-caliber stems and a top-heavy canopy.
• When stakes are removed, a tree is more vulnerable to splitting and windfall than it would be if it had been allowed to strengthen on its own.

Also in this Episode

Way to Grow : Episode WTG-221
•	Vines
•	Attracting Butterflies
•	Improving Soil Quality
•	To Stake or Not to Stake