Explore Plants

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
    
 

Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Wednesday - August 18, 2010

From: Kyle, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seasonal Tasks
Title: When should I remove the stakes from Oak trees planted last november in Kyle, TX?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

I live in Kyle TX. I have new construction of oak trees that are about 10 feet tall and are staked. How long should they stay staked? They were put in the ground about Thanksgiving 2009. Thanks.

ANSWER:

The subject of staking newly planted trees is one that is wrapped in contoversy. Opinions range from no staking to leaving the stakes in place for up to two years. The answer depends on many considerations such as tree type, tree size, soil conditions, amount of rain fall, prevailing winds among others.

I have found three websites with opinions that run the gamut but with explanations of the rationale for their positions. 

After carefully reading these, you might decide that removing the stakes from your trees could be a part of your Thanksgiving celebration this year.

Click on each URL to view the website

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/organic/garden/view_question/id/1791/

https://ogdenstreeservice.com/Central_Texas_Trees.html

http://www.800oakwilt.com/articles13001/caring7.html

 

More Seasonal Tasks Questions

Wildflowers planted in Pittsfield, IL to bloom the first of October
July 01, 2010 - If I plant my wildflower seeds now in Illinois, is it possible they will bloom in three months (by the very beginning of October)?
view the full question and answer

Winter trimming and shaping of native perennials
November 08, 2006 - Granted, it's a bit early, but for planning purposes: What is the best care for shrub-like woody perennials, like Lantana, Copper Canyon Daisy, Salvia greggii, Chile Pequin, Eupatorium wrightii, Pav...
view the full question and answer

Burning back Gulf Muhly instead of trimming from San Antonio
December 19, 2011 - A few years ago I noticed that the Center burned back its Gulf Muhly rather than cutting it back. Did that study result in any conclusions or recommendations?
view the full question and answer

Winter pruning for yucca in Adrian, Michigan
October 11, 2010 - Can I cut yucca plants down for winter months.
view the full question and answer

Yucca elata flowering in Tauranga, NZ.
August 20, 2009 - I have two huuuuuuge Yucca elatas in my garden. One of them flowered spectacularly last year - a 15ft stalk that grew so quickly you could hear it, and then burst into a cloud of waxy cream flowers. M...
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants's Facebook profile Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.

Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends.