Stakes and Staking
Stakes, in various sizes, are indispensable in gardens, both for supporting plants in pots, and also in the open ground. For the first-named purpose, those made from deal are the best; they may be purchased, ready for use, in a great variety of lengths and sizes, or cut out of ordinary laths of double thickness. Small annual growths of Hazel, which grow in great quantities from the base of established bushes, are valuable as Stakes for young plants that are being grown on; also prunings of fruit-trees, when appearances are immaterial. Strong Stakes, for fruit and ornamental trees, Raspberries, &c., are best selected from a plantation where the common Ash predominates, as this wood generally grows tolerably upright, and lasts a long time in use. Hazel, of moderate size, is also largely employed for Stakes, when required for packing, as, in a green or partially green state, it bends readily if required. Several other kinds of wood may also be selected, and made to answer their purpose, as Stakes.
The value of Staking, in connection with newly-planted trees, cannot be over-estimated, as, when properly executed, it prevents the trees from rocking about when the wind blows. When a single Stake is likely to be needed for permanently supporting a tree, it should be inserted at the time of planting; otherwise, it may very likely be driven in just where the best roots are situated, and thereby cause much injury. Plants that are likely to take care of themselves at the end of a year, are rendered safe for that period by placing three Stakes, in the shape of a triangle, round them, just clear of the roots, and tying to each near the top. A small piece of carpet, or something soft, should be put round the stem where the ties are made, for protecting the bark.
All Stakes must of necessity be sharpened more or less to a point, at the lower or larger end, in order that they may enter the ground.