Often times when we transplant young tree saplings we will tie or stake them to encourage them to grow straight. What is not widely known and often times overlooked is that when a tree bends or stretches in the wind it creates special hormones such as auxin to grow thicker. The tree will also aid itself by sprouting branches and compensate in root growth in the directions it needs to counter balance the outside influences like wind and ice. Once we stake and tie a tree, and the tree has established a strong root system, we should untie the tree to allow it to build it’s own stability. If we rely solely on the stakes instead of the trees natural growing methods then strong winds can uproot or break trees. Pruning can then be utilized later to encourage the tree for straighter growth.
