Tough Love for Young Trees
How to Stake a Tree

There's some controversy about whether or not you should stake a tree. Some believe that trees left to their own devices grow stronger because the inevitable swaying toughens the trunk and encourages the roots to anchor themselves firmly. But some new trees can use the crutch that staking gives them, especially those in windy sites. Amanda Switzer demonstrates a good technique for how to stake trees in their first year of planting, so that the tree given some time to establish itself without damage.