Forum Topic

Staking a Tree

I have a beautiful laburnum tree in my garden, in all its yellow glory at the moment. It's a mid size tree as trees go, with upright rather than spreading branches and a slender trunk and, I think because of the high winds and soggy ground it has started to lean over from about halfway up although the roots and the bottom part of the trunk seem fairly stable. It really needs some kind of very long and very strong stake - metal or wood - and appropriate tethers that won't damage the trunk -  to stabilize it, or I am afraid in time and especially with more high winds it might snap. I have no idea who to go to for that kind of thing - if anyone has any suggestions for someone who might be able to help, would be very grateful.

Claire Moran ● 1981d8 Comments

Claire, nothing you can't attempt yourself. Have a look at this.https://youtu.be/FMYl1cVEgRsThey sell stakes and tree ties at garden centres - it sounds like you'd need a bigger stake than the one used here, and you do really need a hefty club hammer, but it's not a difficult job. Failing that any half-decent garden maintenance person should be able to do this for you - I'm sure someone will be recommended here soon or have a look in the w4.com classifieds.

Bruce Hammal ● 1981d

Not something I can do myself, Bruce, I have a severe back problem that would not take kindly to this.

Claire Moran ● 1981d

Where do you live? I'm sure someone nearby in possession of a club hammer could help. Without promising, it might even be me!

Bruce Hammal ● 1981d

I am not sure a very long stake will be a long term fix.The longer the pole the more leverage the tree will have on it and before very long the pole will start to rock.(unless you have concreted it in which may damage the roots)I had a similar situation but was able to support the higher part with a rope attached to a brick wall.If this could work for you be sure to put padding around the tree to prevent the rope cutting into the bark.I also incorporated a bungie to give a small amount of flex.

Adrian Irving ● 1981d

Without knowing the size of the tree it's hard to say for sure.. More than one stake might be required. I' don't know how deeply laburnums root.

Bruce Hammal ● 1981d

Thanks, both. It looks like this is going to get a bit of time to get to the root of the problem - npi :)

Claire Moran ● 1981d

Aila at Ailand gardens staked out tree -aila@ailand.co.uk

Iris Hill ● 1980d

Thanks, Iris, I'll get in touch with them.

Claire Moran ● 1980d