Do I need to stake my new tree?

Try to buy a tree that hasn’t been staked. Trees growing in the wild don’t start off with a stake tied to them. As such it is best not to stake a tree and instead allow the tree free movement in the wind to develop what is known as a trunk taper. As it grows this means the trunk grows thicker and the root system grows stronger.

Staking a tree that does not need it can do more harm than good as their trunks are weaker and their root systems are less developed. Even when staking is necessary, the sooner the stakes are removed, the sooner the plant can develop a strong trunk and root system.