There are two types of stakes: metal or wood.  Both will get the job done, you just have to make sure that you install them correctly.  The first thing you need to do is make sure the stakes are planted deep into the ground.  Because you have to sink the stakes so deep, it is important that you install them when the tree is young.  If you wait until the tree’s roots have developed, installing stakes could damage the roots.  Another thing to keep in mind when installing stakes is that they should not be placed too close to the trunk.  Unlike the stake supports you would install for flowers, tree supports are supposed to be installed at a fairly large distance from the trunk.

The number of stakes you use is up to you.  You can use one stake if you are protecting a tree from the wind.  You should put the stake on the side of the direction of the wind.  Two stakes will be better if the wind comes from several directions, or if the tree is very young.  However, three stakes would always be best.

If you need stakes to support a young tree, try the Jobes Tree Start Kit.  This set comes with 3 large stakes, 36 feet of rope to tie up your tree, and 3 tree tubes (which protect the tree from any damage that could potentially occur from the rope).  The Jobes Tree Start Kit ensures that your tree will grow nice and straight.  The best part of this set is that the stakes can be reused.  Another great set of stakes is the DeWitt Tree Stake Kit 15 in. (Case of 14), pictured above.  Each case comes with 3 stakes, plus 3 support straps that will not injure the tree trunk.

How long do you need to keep stakes up?  If the stakes are used for young trees, you will only need to keep them up for  a year.  After that, the tree should be strong enough to support itself.  If you are using stakes because of wind, you need to use them until the trunk is strong enough to withstand the wind.

1. The first step is to pick a good location for your tree.  The location and tree you choose will depend on the amount of sun the tree needs and the amount of sun that the location gets.  In addition, think about how big the tree will grow and the type of drainage that it will need. 
2. Next, it is time to dig a hole for the tree.  The hole should be twice as big as the tree’s width and a few inches deeper than the height of the root ball.  Use a rounded-tip shovel like the Round Point Shovel With 30 in. D-Grip Wood Handle to cut into the soil and scoop out the dirt.  You may also want to use a wheelbarrow or a tarp to place the dirt into while shoveling to make it easier for you to shovel the dirt back into the hole. 
3. Place the tree in the hole and fill in the hole with dirt.  It is not a good idea to fill in the hole with soil that is rich in organic matter because you want to encourage the roots to spread and grow to get additional nutrients.  Use the dirt from the ground to fill in the hole.  Make sure that the tree is placed at the same level that it was growing at before being transplanted.  You may also want to have someone hold the tree up right as you fill in the hole with dirt to help it grow straighter.
4. Water your new tree well to help set the soil and water the roots.  Since new trees need lots of water when starting off, it is a good idea to create a basin around the tree and add mulch to catch rain water or water from the hose and help keep the soil and roots hydrated.  
5. Lastly, add one or more tree stakes to help your new tree grow straight and help keep it stable.

When placing your stake into the ground, make sure that it is placed deep into the ground. This will help to keep the stake in place as your planting grows.

If you are planting a tree, make sure that the tree is young for proper stake placement and to offer protection from the wind. In addition, the stakes should be placed a little distance away from the tree and tied to the tree with string or wire that is covered in cloth or cloth stripes to allow the roots to grow properly without having it cut into the tree. Using a stake kit like the DeWitt Tree Stake Kit 15 in. is ideal for easily staking your tree and ensuring that it grows properly.

If you are staking a plant, place the stake next to the plant to help it grow straight. Use string or a twist-tie and secure the plant to a plant stake. Trailing vines may be supported by a string that is tightly secured. Staking works great for a variety of plants that need extra support and greatly improves their appearance. If your new plant seems to be fragile or you think that it will benefit from staking, it is good to stake it from the start.

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