Staking semi-dwarf apple trees
by
LInda
+4
Have heard a nd read both ways no or yes ?
6 answers
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I would stake it in the beginning, to keep it straight until it can establish itself well; then remove the stake afterwards
Sarah Robinson
on Apr 16, 2014
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stake until they are established, especially if you have winds in your area.
Helen
on Apr 16, 2014
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@ Linda i would stake them too. But not to disturb the roots can you try and pull away the soil a bit? Just to make sure. Good luck let us know eventually how you go.
Patricia Mcivor
on Apr 17, 2014
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Semi dwarf apple trees frequently require a permanent stake for the tree to support the fruit load.
Douglas Hunt
on Apr 17, 2014
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Stake them in the beginning (1 -2 years) BUT use a loose figure 8 tie arount the trunk to each stake so that the trunk has some room to move. The bending and flexing of the trunk produces growth hormone that makes the trunk thicken. Trees that have been tightly staked so that they can't move develop spindly trunks that never are capable of support but loose staking lets the tree grow a strong natural trunk.
Kirsten McCann
on Apr 18, 2014
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Actually research verified: tree trunks subject to bending stress produce hormones which cause them to lay down more lignin and other proteins in the woody part of the trunk that makes it stronger, faster. A tightly staked tree may have a trunk that is 1" smaller than an identical tree staked to give it some movement after a year or two of growth.
Kirsten McCann
on Apr 21, 2014
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