North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["D Stubbs" <dsmndel@gmail.com>]

So far the most economical stakes I have found are 10 foot long 1/2" steel conduit. If I am replacing a broken wood stake and worry about cutting a tree's roots I hammer over the round end to a tapered point.
I am curious what other materials folk use for stakes, it can get expensive  with a lot of trees. I don't stake my seedling rootstocked apple trees but must stake my Bud9s - and my plums grafted on p. americana - I lost 3 one year right at the graft line on a windy day.
Del

On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 12:36 PM, Anthony Curcio <apc@vassolinc.com> wrote:

I have some trees that I staked with wood poles when I planted. The wood has now broken off and I am wondering if I should re-stake? I am concerned if I use a metal stake close to the trunk I will cut through the roots. The trees seem pretty solid but the winds in Nth. Illinois can get pretty strong.
Thanks for the help, Anthony z 4-5