The fruit trees produced today are usually refined on dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstocks. In the case of apple trees, the M9 washer is used. In pear trees, a quince rootstock is commonly used.Thanks to this, the trees do not grow too large and you can plant them in almost any, even not too large, garden.The diminishing effect of the rootstocks comes from a significantly reduced root system.
On the one hand, this is an advantage, because the trees grow slower and do not reach large sizes.On the other hand, plants require the use of supports, as a small root system is often unable to hold the tree upright. Especially young trees may bend down or even fall over completely.
Most often it happens in autumn, when there are many fruits in the crown, or after winter, when the soil is saturated with water from melted snowIf we decide to buy a tree grafted on a dwarf tree or semi-dwarf rootstock, it is essential to attach it to the support, especially if there are strong winds in the garden.
Staking should be done at the time of planting the tree so that it grows straight from the very beginning. A strong stake is most often used as a support, driven in a short distance from the trunk and always from the side where the wind blows.For greater safety, you can use two or three stakes hammered around the plant.If, after a few years of growth, the tree grows steadily and does not tilt, we can give up staking and give new support.
Way of tying trees to a stake
As a general rule, the bond must not be too tight. The taut bond between the stake and the tree can cause the tree to be held in the air when the ground settles, and therefore it will be less well-received after planting.Thanks to the loose fastening, we will also avoid cutting the band into the bark.We can use many materials for binding. Cotton strips or strong tape are most often used.
Horticulture ABC
We can also use an ordinary string, although it is not a good solution.When using it, you often have to check whether the binding is too tight and the string does not cut into the trunk causing cuts and wounds on the cortex. In gardening stores, we can buy a special polyethylene tape or a hose intended for tying trees.
These materials are flexible, they stretch as the tree grows, so there is no risk of damaging the bark. The very method of tying is called "eight", because the loop is put on the stake, then crossed and put on the trunk of the tree, then tied. This is how the so-called Eight of the bond between two elements.
