Tying & Securing FAQ
What are tree ties used for?
Tree ties secure young or newly planted trees to stakes for support during establishment, holding the tree upright against wind while allowing some movement that builds trunk strength. The right tie supports without cutting into or girdling the bark. Tree ties are the connection between the tree and its support, so their material and how they are fastened matter for the tree's health.
What makes a good tree tie?
A good tree tie is soft or broad enough not to cut into the bark, strong enough to hold the tree against wind, and flexible enough to allow the slight movement that builds trunk strength. Heavy-duty ties suit larger trees. The key is supporting the tree without girdling or wounding the trunk, which thin or rigid ties do as the tree grows and moves.
How do I tie a tree without damaging the trunk?
Use a soft, broad tie in a loose figure-eight between the tree and stake, leaving room for the trunk to thicken and move, and attach it low enough to allow some sway. Check ties through the season and loosen any that have tightened. Proper tying supports the tree while avoiding the bark damage and girdling that tight, thin, or unchecked ties cause.
What securing materials are used in landscape and nursery work?
Beyond tree ties, securing materials include twine, soft ties, straps, and tie tape for staking plants, bundling, trellising, and fastening. Each suits different loads and uses: soft ties for gentle plant support, straps for heavier securing, twine for general tying. Matching the material to the load and whether it contacts living tissue is what makes the securing both effective and plant-safe.
How long should tree ties stay on?
Remove ties once the tree can support itself, typically after one growing season or when established, since ties left too long can girdle the expanding trunk. Tree support is temporary, for the establishment period. Checking the tree and removing or loosening ties as it grows prevents the girdling damage that comes from ties left in place as the trunk thickens around them.
Can tying and securing materials be ordered in bulk?
Yes. Tree ties and securing materials are stocked in bulk quantities with volume pricing by quote. Operations staking and securing trees and plants at scale benefit from ordering ties and securing materials in volume, matched to the loads and the trees and plants they support across the season.
