silver birch trees

[georgiesgirl]

I will be planting shortly 6 bare rooted silver birch.At the moment they are small plants, about 4-5ft tall.I am wondering if there is a need to stake.
They will be sited at the end of my garden.
thanks

[Tenuse]

I would, with the intention of removing the stake in a few years time when they have become established.
Landscape gardeners where I work have staked some new birch trees that were planted last year.

Poor things will have enough of a job getting their roots into the soil - don't make them suffer from wind rock as well!!

Ten x

[tim]

Indeed - but go with the 'new' method - ie, tie to a good post at about 1/3 height. And maintain for 3 years. = Tim

Just thought - the 'new' method is no longer new and I'm thinking more of specimen trees. So, don't take my advice - look up 'staking trees' and make up your own mind. Lots of interesting advice there!

[Hugh_Jones]

Yes, you should stake. Drive the stake in at an angle of about 60 degrees from the ground (or 30 deg from the vertical) so that the stake crosses the stem of the tree at (as Tim says) approximately one third height, and secure at that point using a proper tree tie.  The principle is to kep the lower stem and root secure while allowing the upper stem to flex.

As Tim says, maintain for 3 years.

Don`t be tempted to put a lot of manure under the trees when planting - just mix in a bit of compost and plenty of bonemeal.

[Tenuse]

Make sure that the stake is facing into the prevailing wind if you go for the angled version rather than an upright one.

Ten x