Every new tree around my neighborhood seems to have a stake dutifully holding it-- down, straight, up?
Trees actually benefit more from not being staked than not being staked. Growing without a stake allows them to grow from the adversity, of well, growing. As the wind blows them, it makes them stronger. I'm not going to pretend that I understand the science, but, that's what the people who know about trees tell me.
One day I was watching my newly planted baby tree during a windstorm. I live in an area with few wind blocks so the wind can be strong. Like pick up your kiddy pool and carry it a block or two away, even your wheelbarrow can be sent adrift if left out during a windstorm. Needless to say as I was watching my three quarter inch caliper tree wave back and forth in the wind, I was panicking. I love trees and want to offer them the best care possible. I knew unstaked trees are best, but I started to question the reality of this advice as my tree whipped back and forth, bending almost 90 degrees.
I called my friendly local nursery:
"Hi, I understand unstaked trees are best, but my tree is really bending in the wind? How much is too much?" I demanded.
"Wait. what?" said a woman on the line.
"How much can my tree break before breaking it?" I responded.
"Huh. Good question. I really don't know. I know we recommend staking trees. Let me find a tree person and have them call you back."
After a little time, a receive a call from a confused woman, who has a hastily scribbled not "how much can a tree bend." After clarifying, my question was answered.
The most important part of the tree is the root ball. The root ball needs to be stationary. Your tree only needs to be staked if the root ball is moving. Watch the bottom 1/3 of the tree for movement. The top can move as much as the wind pushes it, but the roots need to stay rooted in the ground.
