Trees root faster if they can “wiggle” a little in the wind. So don’t stake a new tree unless it’s in a windy spot or has a broad canopy that could whip in the wind too much. Drive a couple of sturdy wood or metal stakes into the ground outside the root ball to keep from damaging it. Attach the tree with soft, stretchy ties in a figure-8 around the trunk. Tie just below the first set of branches—that’ll keep the tree stable, but still allow it to move slightly. Leave stakes in place for no longer than a year before removing them.
Need help planting your tree? Read How to plant a tree in four easy steps.
