Roger: 0:02

Talking Trees with Lily and Jad. Welcome to this episode of Talking Trees. Today, we'll take a deep dive into the topic of anchoring newly planted trees. We'll explore various methods of securing trees, from the use of stakes in different configurations to underground systems and cable-based anchoring. The discussion will cover the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, the importance of material selection, proper installation techniques and the crucial role of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure long-term stability and tree health. In addition to the technical details, we'll also highlight the importance of protecting young roots and minimizing damage to the trunk during the anchoring process. Let's get started.

Jad: 0:51

Welcome back to the Deep Dive. Today we're going to be talking about something really important for all of you professional arborists out there Anchoring systems for newly planted trees. Right, and you know, we're not just going to like skim the surface here.

Roger: 1:06

Yeah.

Jad: 1:06

We're going deep into the WHY behind the anchoring choices, not just the head WTO, so you can really make the best decisions out in the field. So we've compiled a bunch of expert advice.

Lilly: 1:17

Yes.

Jad: 1:18

Best practices. All about tree anchoring.

Lilly: 1:20

Fantastic.

Jad: 1:21

And let's get right to it.

Lilly: 1:23

Absolutely.

Jad: 1:26

Why anchor a newly planted tree?

Lilly: 1:26

in the first place? That's the fundamental question, isn't it? Yeah, so think about it this way A newly planted tree, it doesn't have that extensive root system that you see in established trees, so it's really vulnerable to movement, particularly from wind, and that movement can actually damage those delicate developing roots that were so vital for, you know, water and nutrient uptake.

Jad: 1:50

It's kind of like trying to stand firm in loose sand when you only have your toes dug in.

Lilly: 1:55

Exactly. It's a great analogy. And it's not just the wind that we have to worry about. Right Newly planted trees are also susceptible to, you know, things like accidental damage from lawnmowers.

Jad: 2:07

Oh, right, yeah, of course.

Lilly: 2:09

Vandalism, or even, you know, environmental factors like salt spray, if they're planted near a road.

Jad: 2:14

So that anchoring system it's like a crucial support during those like early vulnerable years.

Lilly: 2:20

Yeah, it provides that initial stability.

Jad: 2:22

Yeah.

Lilly: 2:23

While those roots establish themselves and really take hold.

Jad: 2:26

Okay.

Lilly: 2:26

But here's where it gets interesting. Too much rigidity can actually be detrimental.

Jad: 2:32

Oh, really, so you don't want to completely immobilize the tree?

Lilly: 2:36

Exactly, we need to strike a balance Interesting.

Jad: 2:39

Yeah, why is some movement actually beneficial?

Lilly: 2:42

Well, trees have these specialized tissues called meristematic tissues, okay, and they're responsible for growth, and these tissues are really sensitive to mechanical stress, like the swaying motion caused by wind, you know.

Jad: 2:55

Ah, so it's like a workout for the tree.

Lilly: 2:57

Yeah, think of it as a natural weightlifting routine.

Jad: 3:00

I like that.

Lilly: 3:00

That stress it actually triggers the tree to strengthen its trunk and root system.

Jad: 3:06

So you need enough support to protect the tree.

Lilly: 3:08

Right.

Jad: 3:09

But also enough flexibility.

Lilly: 3:11

Yes.

Jad: 3:11

For that movement to you know Exactly. Help it grow strong.

Lilly: 3:14

It's a delicate balance.

Jad: 3:16

Gotcha. So, when it comes to choosing an anchoring system, what are our options?

Lilly: 3:21

Well, there are three main categories.

Jad: 3:22

Okay, Stake systems.

Lilly: 3:23

Okay, guy, what are our options? Well, there are three main categories Okay, stake systems, okay, guy wire systems Uh-huh. And underground anchoring.

Jad: 3:29

Now I've noticed that here in North America we see a lot of guy wires.

Lilly: 3:33

Yeah.

Jad: 3:33

But it seems like they're not as popular in other parts of the world.

Lilly: 3:36

You're right, there are definitely some regional preferences, but for now, yeah, let's focus on stake systems, since they are the most widely used method.

Jad: 3:46

All right, so let's talk stakes. Okay, you know the classic wooden stakes. Yes, what kind of wood are we usually looking at there? Well, you'll often see durable woods like acacia larch or pine, and how long do those stakes last out in the elements?

Lilly: 4:01

That's a good question.

Jad: 4:02

Yeah.

Lilly: 4:02

The diameter is key.

Jad: 4:03

Okay.

Lilly: 4:05

Particularly for larger trees, you generally want a stake with a diameter of at least 10 centimeters 10 centimeters Got it.

Jad: 4:11

But even with you know these more durable woods Right, they're exposed to the elements.

Lilly: 4:16

Yeah.

Jad: 4:16

They're going to eventually rot. Are there any ways to extend their lifespan?

Lilly: 4:21

Absolutely Deep impregnation with a preservative like voluminous CX-10. That's a common method.

Jad: 4:28

Okay.

Lilly: 4:29

This helps to protect the wood from decay organisms, you know, fungi and insects.

Jad: 4:33

Makes sense. Are there any other techniques?

Lilly: 4:36

Yeah, another one is charring the portion of the stake that'll be in direct contact with the soil.

Roger: 4:42

Okay.

Lilly: 4:42

You know, it creates a layer of charcoal that's naturally resistant to decay oh interesting. And of course you can use protective coatings like Lazerol S1023 or Luxol Extra. Those provide a barrier against the element.

Jad: 4:56

Like a suit of armor for the stake. So when I'm out in the field I see, you know, trees anchored with one stake, sometimes two, sometimes even more.

Lilly: 5:04

Right.

Jad: 5:05

Is there a reason for using a specific number of stakes?

Lilly: 5:08

Yeah, absolutely. It all comes down to you know the level of support that a tree needs. For smaller trees, a single stake might be sufficient. It can be positioned vertically or angled, depending on what you're trying to achieve. You know, are you trying to counteract the prevailing wind? Are you trying to counteract the prevailing wind Right. Are you trying to protect it from salt spray or are you just providing a visual reminder to keep mowers away from the trunk?

Jad: 5:34

So even with a single stake, placement is really important.

Lilly: 5:37

Oh, absolutely Okay. And then for larger trees or those in areas with a higher potential for damage, two stakes are commonly used, one on either side of the tree.

Jad: 5:46

Creating like a protective zone.

Lilly: 5:48

Exactly A protective corridor.

Jad: 5:50

A trunk.

Lilly: 5:50

Yeah, and if vandalism or frequent machinery use is a concern, you might even need three or more stakes. In those cases, protective battens can be added to the bottom of the stake system for additional shielding against mowers and even things like dog urine.

Jad: 6:07

Oh, I hadn't even thought about dog urine as a hazard.

Lilly: 6:10

Yeah, it can be a problem.

Jad: 6:12

Interesting, so we've covered stake systems.

Lilly: 6:15

Yeah.

Jad: 6:15

What about guy wires and underground anchoring? What are their strengths and weaknesses?

Lilly: 6:21

Well guy wire systems use cables anchored to the ground, usually with stakes to support the tree.

Jad: 6:26

Right.

Lilly: 6:26

They can be very effective, but they do require regular monitoring and adjustment.

Jad: 6:32

Okay.

Lilly: 6:32

As guy wires can loosen over time and if the cable isn't clearly marked it can become a tripping hazard for pedestrians.

Jad: 6:40

Oh right, Safety first.

Lilly: 6:42

Absolutely and then underground anchoring is gaining popularity, especially in settings where a clean aesthetic is important.

Jad: 6:48

Oh, I see.

Lilly: 6:49

You know these systems. They're hidden below the ground. Okay so they don't disrupt the visual landscape.

Jad: 6:54

A secret support system.

Lilly: 6:55

Exactly.

Jad: 6:56

What are some of the popular underground systems out there?

Lilly: 6:58

Some common ones include platypus, tree lock and, for our Czech listeners, the kotvo system Right. Essentially, they anchor the tree to the ground using straps or cables connected to anchors that are driven deep into the soil.

Jad: 7:13

It sounds very secure. I imagine installation requires a lot of care.

Lilly: 7:17

Yeah, you have to be really careful during installation to avoid damaging that root ball. You need to make sure those anchors are placed properly and you know choosing the right size and strength for the tree you're anchoring is crucial. Yeah, sometimes you might even combine underground anchoring with an above-ground method, like stakes, for added stability.

Jad: 7:37

Interesting, so it can be a layered approach.

Lilly: 7:40

Absolutely, especially for those larger trees.

Jad: 7:42

So we've got our anchoring systems in place, right? How do we actually attach the tree to the system without harming it?

Lilly: 7:49

Ah, that's where the ties come in. Right the ties and choosing the right materials and techniques is really important. You know we want to provide support without causing damage or restricting the tree's growth.

Jad: 7:59

So what's the best approach for those ties?

Lilly: 8:02

Well, wide smooth ties.

Jad: 8:04

Okay.

Lilly: 8:04

Made from materials that won't abrade the bark are essential Natural fibers like cotton or synthetic materials that are designed for true ties are good choices. Got it, but I would stay away from coconut or jute, I've seen those used before. Yeah, they tend to loosen and they can actually damage the bark over time. Wow, I hadn't considered that it's all about the details.

Jad: 8:27

So when you're securing those ties, do they need to be like really tight?

Lilly: 8:32

Well, they need to be snug, but not too tight, and you always want to secure them properly to the stake to prevent slipping.

Jad: 8:39

So it's kind of like adjusting a child's clothes as they grow.

Lilly: 8:42

Yeah.

Jad: 8:42

You want to give them support but not restrict their movement.

Lilly: 8:45

That's a great analogy.

Jad: 8:46

And just like you would adjust clothes as a child grows, you need to regularly check and adjust the ties on your trees as well, absolutely Because that trunk is going to expand.

Lilly: 8:56

Exactly, and we don't want those ties to constrict it, right? Yeah, it's amazing how those little details with the ties can have such a big impact on the tree's health in the long run.

Jad: 9:06

It really shows how much attention to detail is needed in arboriculture.

Lilly: 9:10

Absolutely.

Jad: 9:18

Now we were talking about the importance of ongoing care and eventually removing that anchoring system. Is there a specific time frame for that removal or there's like sign that we should be looking for from the tree itself?

Lilly: 9:23

It's a bit of both. Generally, most anchoring systems are removed after two to three growing seasons.

Jad: 9:30

Okay.

Lilly: 9:30

But that's just a guideline. Each tree needs to be assessed individually.

Jad: 9:34

So what are some of the signs that a tree is ready to like stand on its own two feet, so to speak?

Lilly: 9:40

Well, root development is a key indicator. You want to see evidence that the roots have grown beyond that original root ball and are really starting to anchor the tree in the ground.

Jad: 9:51

Makes sense. What other signs should we be looking for?

Lilly: 9:54

Trunk caliper is another important factor. As the trunk increases in diameter it becomes stronger, more resistant to that wind sway. You can actually measure the caliper and compare it to growth charts for that specific tree species.

Jad: 10:10

So it's like a growth chart, but for trees.

Lilly: 10:12

Exactly, and of course, site conditions always play a role as well.

Jad: 10:16

Right.

Lilly: 10:16

A tree in a particularly windy or exposed location might need its anchoring system a bit longer. Okay, even if those other indicators suggest it's ready for removal.

Jad: 10:27

So it's all about making a judgment call.

Lilly: 10:29

Yes.

Jad: 10:29

Based on all those factors.

Lilly: 10:31

Exactly.

Jad: 10:32

Now we've talked a lot about stake systems.

Lilly: 10:34

Yeah.

Jad: 10:34

Are there any nuances within those systems that we should be aware of? Absolutely Okay.

Lilly: 10:39

Even with a single stake system, placement is key. We talked about angling the stake.

Jad: 10:44

Right To counteract the prevailing wind.

Lilly: 10:46

To counteract the prevailing wind. But you know, consistently angling stakes in one direction it can actually subtly train the tree to grow with a slight tilt.

Jad: 10:55

Oh, does that tilting have any long-term effects?

Lilly: 10:58

In most cases, the effect is minimal, okay, but it is something to be mindful of.

Jad: 11:03

Yeah. Particularly in those formal landscapes where you really want a perfectly upright form Makes sense, yeah, so even those small decisions can have, you know, lasting impacts.

Lilly: 11:12

Exactly.

Jad: 11:13

What about double stake systems? Are there any nuances there?

Lilly: 11:17

With two stakes. The distance between them can actually influence how the tree develops.

Jad: 11:22

Okay.

Lilly: 11:22

If the stakes are positioned too close together, it might restrict the trunk's ability to thicken properly as it grows.

Jad: 11:28

So, again, it's all about finding that balance, yes, Between support and allowing for natural growth.

Lilly: 11:33

Precisely. And then these considerations become even more critical when you're dealing with more complex systems like underground anchoring.

Jad: 11:40

Right. Speaking of underground anchoring, are there any challenges that are unique to those systems?

Lilly: 11:45

Well, we talked about the importance of Careful installation to avoid damaging that root ball. The depth at which those anchors are installed is also critical. If they're too shallow they might not provide enough support, but if they're placed too deep they could interfere with root growth.

Jad: 12:02

So you need to find that sweet spot. It seems like every aspect of anchoring has these like subtle but really important implications for the tree's future.

Lilly: 12:12

That's the beauty of arboriculture.

Jad: 12:14

Yeah.

Lilly: 12:14

You know, we're not just working with trees, we're actively shaping their future.

Jad: 12:18

It's a big responsibility. It is Now. We talked a little bit about tie materials earlier. Right, I'd like to go a little deeper into the actual tying process itself. Sure, are there any techniques that can help minimize damage and promote healthy growth?

Lilly: 12:33

Absolutely. The way you tie the tree to the stake can really influence how much movement the tree has and how that chunk develops. Constriction is a major concern.

Jad: 12:44

Yeah.

Lilly: 12:44

So using proper knots and tying techniques is crucial.

Jad: 12:49

And those ties need to be adjusted regularly.

Lilly: 12:51

Yes, as the tree grows, to prevent girdling.

Jad: 12:54

Girdling. That's when the tie actually cuts into the bark right, exactly. I've seen some pretty bad cases of that.

Lilly: 12:58

Yeah, it's a common problem, unfortunately, yeah, and it can have devastating consequences for the tree.

Jad: 13:04

Really.

Lilly: 13:04

It disrupts the flow of water and nutrients. And in severe cases, it can even kill the tree.

Jad: 13:10

So again, another example of those small details having these huge impacts. So how do you avoid girdling? Is it just about choosing the right material and not tying too tightly?

Lilly: 13:21

Well, those are crucial factors, but the placement of the tie is equally important. It needs to be secured to the stake in a way that prevents it from slipping down and constricting the trunk as the tree grows. And, of course, regular checks and adjustments are essential.

Jad: 13:38

So it's like a conversation with the tree.

Lilly: 13:39

I love that.

Jad: 13:40

You're constantly observing, responding, understanding its needs as it grows.

Lilly: 13:45

That's a beautiful way to put it.

Jad: 13:47

Now we've talked about some of the potential downsides of anchoring things like girdling and restricted growth. Are there ways to mitigate those risks even further?

Lilly: 13:56

That's a great question.

Jad: 13:57

Yeah.

Lilly: 13:58

And the answer is yes. Innovation is constantly happening in this field.

Jad: 14:02

Oh wait, Maybe we should be thinking about guiding.

Lilly: 14:05

I like that.

Jad: 14:06

We're not just holding the tree in place, but really helping it establish itself Exactly and grow in its new environment.

Lilly: 14:12

And technology is playing a huge role in making that happen.

Jad: 14:16

It really is amazing.

Lilly: 14:17

Yeah.

Jad: 14:18

You know, we're able to create these anchoring systems that are so responsive, adaptable and really aligned with the tree's needs.

Lilly: 14:27

It's a testament to all the hard work and dedication of people in the arboriculture field.

Jad: 14:32

You know, it's clear that anchoring is both a science and an art.

Lilly: 14:36

Absolutely.

Jad: 14:36

Requires knowledge, skill and a deep understanding of tree biology.

Lilly: 14:40

It really does.

Jad: 14:41

It's about making those smart decisions that support the long-term health and beauty of these incredible trees.

Lilly: 14:48

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Jad: 14:50

And as with any art form.

Lilly: 14:51

Right.

Jad: 14:51

There's always room for innovation and improvement. Always I'm so excited to see what the future holds for anchoring systems and the continued advancements in tree care.

Lilly: 15:00

Yeah, it's a really exciting time to be in this field.

Jad: 15:03

It has been a pleasure diving deep with you today. Until next time, keep those questions coming.

Lilly: 15:09

Absolutely Keep those minds curious.

Jad: 15:10

Yeah, and those trees coming, absolutely. Those minds curious, yeah, and those trees thriving. Thanks for joining us on the Deep Dive Tigers.

Roger: 15:18

Thank you for tuning into this episode of Talking Trees. If you found today's discussion on tree anchoring helpful, be sure to subscribe and stay up to date on all our future episodes. Your support helps us continue bringing you valuable content. We appreciate you being part of our community and we look forward to sharing more tree care insights with you next time. Until then, take care and keep nurturing your passion for trees. You.