KHATAMIAN, H. 1985. Staking and wrapping trees for winter. Grounds Maintenance 20(9):70-71.
Staking young trees is particularly important when planting bare-root or container-grown trees that have weak trunks. Protective staking also is necessary when there is danger of damage from lawn equipment or vandals. When planting large trees, a support or anchoring system is required to minimize shifting of the newly transplanted root ball. Thin- and smooth-barked young trees like maple, mountain ash, honeylocust, and London plane are susceptible to damage from sudden exposure to sun. To protect the trunk from sun damage, winter desiccation, equipment, or animals, wrap the tree up to the first limb. Use paper tree wrap, burlap strips, vinyl tree guard, or a similar material. Start wrapping from the bottom of the trunk, overlapping on each turn to give a shingle effect that will help keep the trunk dry. Secure the wrap with twine or heavy string, wrapping in the opposite direction of the tree wrap.
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