It’s a good practice to support young trees with stakes, but the stakes should be removed once the trees are established. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) multi-county citrus Extension agent Edwin A. Gutierrez-Rodriguez tells why in a slightly-edited article:
It is commonly accepted that when establishing a new citrus grove or caring for young trees, providing support is an important first step. In citrus nurseries and during early planting, it’s common to see metallic rebars, wire stakes or bamboo stakes placed alongside young tree trunks. This practice gives the tree the mechanical support it needs to grow straight and strong in its formative stage.
The problem arises when a temporary support becomes a permanent fixture. As a healthy citrus tree grows, its trunk widens. If the stake is not removed, the growing trunk will press against the unyielding metal rod.
This creates a cascade of problems, including:
- Mechanical Damage: Constant friction and pressure from the rebar can chafe the bark, creating wounds and indentations.
- Opening for Disease: These wounds provide entry points for pathogens, including fungi, bacteria and insects to enter and infect the tree. When mixing those wounds with irrigation (or rainwater) and soil, it becomes a sweet cake for pathogens like phytophthora.
- Girdling: In a worst-case scenario, the tree may attempt to grow around the stake. This process can girdle the trunk, choking off the flow of water and nutrients through the tree’s vascular system and potentially killing it.
The solution is simple and requires no fancy technology. Once a young tree is established and can support itself, the stake should be removed. This small maintenance act prevents future damage and is a part of ensuring the long-term health and integrity of the groves.
Source: UF/IFAS