Planting large bushes and trees is a wonderful idea for landscaping a garden, but at first, plants may not be able to support themselves. To give plants the best chance of growing strong and large, you may need to help them support themselves with stakes. The process is simple, but you will have to decide which solution to support them is the most suitable, even taking into account the type of plants you want to grow in the garden.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Create a Fence with Posts
Step 1. Get what you need
A fence with poles is a method of supporting a bush or a small tree by creating a 'fence' around it to act as a support for the branches and larger branches. To make a post fence, you need 3 or 4 stakes and a thick rope of plant fibers. Bamboo or plastic-coated metal posts will work well, as they coordinate with the plant without damaging it.
If you intend to spend some money, you can buy special 'L' shaped posts to create a sort of fence
Step 2. Insert the posts
If you have three stakes, create a triangular shape around the perimeter of the plant. If you have four, make a rectangle or square around the bush. Keep in mind that it is advisable to try to arrange the stakes at an equal distance around the plant.
Step 3. Add the 'fence'
Choose a position in the middle or at the top of the stake for the first tie. Wrap the rope around the posts in the same position on each, keeping it taut. When you return to the starting point, tie the ends of the rope together in a knot and cut the loose ends. For a large plant, it may be necessary to repeat this process and create multiple layers of cords to support the plant.
Step 4. Adjust the fence over time
The idea of the fence is to give small plants a support structure when they begin to grow. Once the plant has reached a larger size, you can either completely clear the fence or adjust it so the plant has more room to grow. If you don't remove the fence, you could stop the plant's growth or damage the main branches.
Method 2 of 4: Stake with Dead Branches
Step 1. Choose numerous branches to stake
The concept of this type of staking (Pea Staking) is to use dead branches as natural supports, both because they harmonize with the garden and because they exhaust their function over time. This staking method works best for bushes and plants that tend to spread. Go around the woods and look for some sturdy old branches. They don't have to be very big, but they do need to be sturdy enough to support your bush.
Step 2. Arrange these branches to use as a support
Push them into the ground to a depth of 15 - 20cm, so they don't get blown away by the wind. Distribute them around the plant to create a fence-like perimeter, or to support branches that need support. You can use many branches to support each branch, or just one or two to support the main ones.
Step 3. Adjust the supports over time
If the branches you used as props are old / thin enough, they are likely to fall off and begin to decompose over time. However, if you have chosen sturdy branches, you will need to move them outward to match the growth of the plant. Remember that eventually as the bush becomes an adult, it may no longer need poles to support itself, as its branching system should be strong enough to stand on its own.
Method 3 of 4: Stake a Bush with a Single Stake
Step 1. Choose the posts
If it's a plant that grows straight up rather than horizontally (like a tomato plant), you can consider staking with a single stake. Choose a stake for this - typically bamboo poles or plastic-coated metal poles are best suited. You will also need some rope; a braided or wire will do.
Step 2. Locate the main branch
Once the plant has been planted, look for the main branch that supports most of the growth. This is usually located near the center, but if you have a plant that has separated along the center, there may be two 'main' branches.
Step 3. Insert the stake
Dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep about 2 inches from the base of the main branch. Insert the pole into the ground, compacting the soil near the base and making sure it is absolutely vertical.
Step 4. Tie the branches to the stake
Cut small pieces of string / wire to secure the branches to the stake. Tie the main branch in 2-3 places to the stake, spacing the ties apart to firmly support the branch. You shouldn't tie smaller branches to the stake, unless it no longer has stakes scattered around the plant.
Step 5. Adjust the post over time
When the plant has grown large enough, either the stake will need to be removed or moved. Pull the stake away and decide how to proceed. If you choose to move it, arrange it to support the heavier branches.
Method 4 of 4: Staking a Tree
Step 1. Know when to stake
Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to stake out every small tree that has just been planted. Trees should only be staked if they are in a strong windswept location, or have been planted in very sandy soil, or are quite tall but have a small root. Remember that even if you decide to stake a tree, you should remove the ties as soon as possible. Trees that have been staked into adulthood will be damaged by the ties and will remain weaker than trees that have not been staked.
Step 2. Choose the products you need
To stake a tree, it is generally recommended to use two tall, thin bamboo or metal poles. They should be tall enough to reach only the top of the trunk, without getting in the way of the branches. You also need ropes to secure the tree to the posts. Use wide, flat and flexible ropes. Nylon stockings or flat rubber bands may work for this.
Never use electric wire or rubber hose to stake a tree, because it will slip into the trunk and damage it over time
Step 3. Set up the posts
The stakes should be placed equidistant from the trunk, about 30cm on each side of the tree. Place the first stake on the side where the wind usually comes from, and the next on the opposite side. This will help keep the tree stable during storms and bad weather. Make sure the stakes are driven deep enough into the ground that they won't bend when pushed; they must be stable to support the tree.
Step 4. Add the strings
You will need two ropes to support the tree; the ropes must be in the same place, but each will attach the trunk to the opposite pole. Wrap the flat side of the rope around the trunk, holding it taut to provide support. Tie the string securely to the pole and then cut off the excess.
Step 5. Adjust the posts over time
Trees will naturally become stable and sturdy enough to support themselves, so the posts never have to be permanent. When the tree has had enough time to strengthen the roots and grow a little stronger, you need to cut the strings and remove the stakes. If at any time the ropes begin to dig into the tree, they must be eliminated together with the stakes to prevent other damage.
Advice
- When beating around a plant, beware of roots that you could damage. Damaging a couple of them might be OK, but if you put poles all around you could damage too many.
- If wind is an issue, anchor the poles in the ground with anchor wires or a sturdy rope in at least three directions.
- After staking the plant, wait a couple of days and check the stakes and ropes. Are the stakes in the ground still straight? You may need to beat them even deeper. Are the strings still tight? If they have become loose or melted, tie them back to the stakes.
- If a stem has broken, you need to cut it off and try to support the neighboring stems. If a plant bends too much, you won't be able to get vertical growth or a beautiful shape without major pruning, simply staking isn't enough.
