Stakes

I try to avoid using stakes as much as possible. They lead to weak trunk development and make the tree dependent on the stake.

If you need to use a stake, tie the tree very loosely so that it can still move, but beware of friction between the tree and the stake. You may want to use two stakes to limit the amount of movement without the tree ever touching either stake.

Depending on the tree and the exact way it is staked, severe winds can cause leaves to brush against the stake, causing damage to the leaves, or even snap them off completely.

You can also consider putting 4-5 tall stakes around the perimeter of a pot in winter to serve as the scaffolding for a plant cover in winter so that it doesn’t touch the leaves. Otherwise, you will see freeze damage wherever the cover touches the plant if you get low enough temperatures.

Bamboo is an excellent material for stakes and scaffolding, but make sure to file down any branch stubs that could be sharp so they don’t cut into the tree or leaves in strong winds.