Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
This practice helps eliminate air pockets around the roots that can cause the
roots to dry out. After irrigating, check to see that the plant is at the same
level at which it grew in the nursery and adjust the depth, if necessary.
Depending on crop, rootstock, and training system, you may now need to
stake or trellis the trees, as we will discuss in chapter 12. Not all trees
need staking or trellising, however. Unfortunately, the current trend, particu-
larly in the landscape industry, is to stake every newly planted tree and then
tie it down with enough rope for the last roundup. There seems to be a fear
that the trees will somehow escape.
Larger ball-and-burlap and containerized trees can be top-heavy and
may benefit from temporary staking to prevent them from falling or blowing
over, even if they will eventually be freestanding. In these cases of freest-
anding trees, the usual procedure is to use three evenly spaced wires staked
to the ground, each separated by 120 degrees. The wires are looped around
the tree trunk just above a branch to keep the loop from slipping down the
trunk. Rubber hose is used to line the loops and protect the trunk from dam-
age due to rubbing. When staking trees in this fashion, keep the loops loose
enough to allow the tree to move in the wind several inches in each direction.
That motion forms the reaction wood that will give the trunk strength and
allow it to eventually stand on its own.
Even small trees destined to be freestanding are sometimes staked in or-
der to form straight trunks. Likewise, trees that will be trained to tall spindles
and other axis systems are often trained to poles, even if only temporarily.
Metal tree stakes, bamboo poles, metal electrical conduit, and PVC pipe all
serve as excellent temporary training stakes, depending on the height that
you need. Fasten the trees to the stakes using wide tape designed for tying
trees and grapes. Avoid zip ties, wire, fishing lines, and thin cords, as these
cut into the bark. Check the ties frequently and loosen them, as necessary, to
prevent girdling the trunk.
For trees that will be trained to trellis wires, some growers prefer to avoid
the use of stakes or poles, largely due to cost, and tie the trees directly to the
trellis wires. In such cases, the lowest trellis wire is usually no more than 2 to
Search WWH ::




Custom Search