340 TREES AND SHRUBS 



when there is danger of the tree rocking about and 

 becoming loose at the collar, put in three stakes in 

 the form of a triangle, the stem fitting in the space 

 left between the three stakes at the top, while the 

 bottoms of the stakes extend some 2 or 3 feet 

 from the tree. For this purpose wires fastened to 

 stakes driven in the ground are useful, and neater 

 than stout stakes. When wires are used, however, 

 take care to provide a good soft pad between the 

 tree and the wire. For trees with large heads, or 

 those not well furnished with roots, this way of 

 staking will be found very useful. When inserting 

 stakes they should be properly sharpened for the 

 sake of straight driving. The staking of trees which 

 have the lower parts of their trunks straight and 

 their leaders crooked differs from other staking, as 

 the stakes should not be driven into the ground, but 

 tied firmly to the trunk below the bend, the leader 

 being then drawn to the stake. In all cases, however, 

 where staking is done the stakes should be removed 

 as soon as the trees are able to do without them. A 

 stake is not beautiful. There is always the chance of 

 the tying material being left a little too long without 

 examination, and therefore it cuts into the bark. 

 Ties also harbour insects. 



