[paulb]

Hi
I planted a few trees last year and at the time I could not get the stakes tight to the trees due to routes. Some of these trees are not 100% vertical and are leaning towards the posts. What is the best way to straighten them?
I could add a block of wood between the stake and the tree and then tie the tree to the block. Or would a better solution be to sink a second stake on the opposite side and tie the tree to both? The problem I have with this is how would I avoid hitting the routes when putting down the stake?

Thanks
P

[kindredspirit]

Do they still need the stakes?

[medieval knievel]

if the trees are well rooted, there's no need to straighten them.

[James Kilkelly]

Hard to get trees 100% vertical especially here in the windy west, so I agree with the other posters as regards the no need for staking once they are well rooted.
Paulb If straightness is still an issue I suggest you look at guy-wiring them as this will avoid the roots.
See pic........

[paulb]

Thanks all,
it is a very exposed site so I would be very nervous about removing the stakes, the lean isnt too bad, but if I put in a 4 inch spacer at the top of the stake it would probably correct it.

Thanks
P

[kindredspirit]

Here's a system I use for staking trees.

Hosepipes!

It works very well. The plastic/rubber/whateveritis of the hosepipe doesn't damage the bark and it's flexible and yet firm at the same time. The stakes are angled outwards for strength. (We have an extremely windy garden and yes I know I shouldn't plant a Loquat in a windy spot but every part of the garden is windy.)

Pic below is of the Loquat tree in bondage.



P.S. The stakes go into the soil outside the rootball.