Tree Supports and Protection from Mowers

 

While stakes are not needed for supporting trees with a trunk diameter of 50 mm (2”) or more, you   need strategically placed stakes to support snow fencing or metal caging to keep children at play and mowers away.

  Damage to Trees from Loose Stakes and Tight Ties Make sure your stakes and ties are firmly in place. The arrows in the photograph below show places

  where loose stakes and ties rubbed against the tree. The top arrow points to a spot where the top of the stake gouged a groove right through the bark. The tree was removed because it was so badly   damaged.

 

   

 

 

The tie above was improperly installed, and it slipped to the base of the tree. It became hidden in tall grass and then strangled and killed the tree as the trunk grew in girth.

TIES Ties are woven fabric strips (preferred), wires or cords secured through holes in T-posts (metal stakes) and wrapped around the trunk of the tree as shown in the diagram below. If wire is used, it should be threaded through a short section of garden hose where it touches the trunk of the tree to prevent chafing of the bark as the tree is moved by the wind.

  Remember! Keep mowers and trimmers away from trees because they can cause a lot of damage to bark. Install stakes and cages to prevent mowers from getting too close. Weed out the grass and add a layer of mulch (see section on mulching). Check ties regularly to make sure they are not too tight.

 

  The photo above shows a tree ruined by mowers and trimmers hitting the base of the trunk.