Which Trees to Stake Not all trees need staking. Evergreen trees often don’t require extra support, for example. But any trees that are leaning, top-heavy, or saddled with small root systems ...

Learn how to stake up citrus trees when you plant them to avoid wind damage and leaning trunks.

That swaying encourages trunk and root growth. Staking shoulder height leads to spindly trunk growth that may not sufficiently support the tree as it grows. And no wires, please.

Bare-root Trees The temporary support staking provides is especially helpful when planting bare root trees, which lack the established root system of a container-grown tree.