Things You'll Need
Stakes
Thin nylon rope
Scissors
Rubber hose
Hammer
Tape measure
When trees are planted, their root systems usually don't have a good hold in the ground. This is especially true with a large transplanted tree. It's top heavy and can easily blow over in the wind. A great way to prevent this is to use guy wires and tree stakes to stake the tree to the ground. This keeps the tree stabilized from strong winds and allows the tree's roots to grow into the ground. After a period of time, the stakes and wire can be removed and the tree will be sturdy in the ground.
Instructions
Step 1
Drive three stakes a few feet from the tree's trunk. They should be in a circle around the trunk and equally spaced. The stakes should be driven 18 inches to 36 inches into the ground. The tops of the stakes should have a notch in them to hold the guy wire.
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Step 2
Loop a guy wire (thin rope) from each stake around the tree trunk. The guy wire should loop around the tree about two-thirds of the way up the trunk and have a rubber hose covering so the guy wire doesn't dig into the trunk. Tie the guy wire to itself in a knot so that the rubber hose covering is snug around the tree trunk. Slide the guy wire into the notch in the stake and tightly tie it to the stake.
Step 3
Fasten the other two guy wires to the corresponding stakes in the same fashion. When completed, all three guy wires should be tight, but still allow slight movement in the tree trunk.
Step 4
Remove all guy wires and stakes after a year. This is plenty of time for the tree to become established. The tree's growth may be impaired if supports are left on too long.
Tip
Check the guy wires periodically to ensure they are still adequately tight and not injuring the tree.
Warning
Don't leave the guy wire on the trunk too long and don't wrap it too tight around the trunk. The tree can become strangulated as the trunk diameter increases. The wire will cut into the trunk and possibly kill the tree.
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