Hi Chris!

I haven't seen you post before so maybe you're new to the Alabama Forum. If so, "Welcome!" - we'll all look forward to having you here!

I had to stake a weeping willow for a couple of years and used the same method you describe without any adverse effects. I even forgot and let the tree "grow" into a section of the hose (dumb me!) which was later removed, again without any adverse effects. I've seen this same method employed for years, and would be curious to know where you read that it was harmful, and why. I'm certainly no expert so hopefully someone else can give us a clue.

Anyway, good luck with your maple, which is sure to bring you a lifetime of enjoyment.

Nelson

Hello Nelson,

Thank you for your warm welcome! I actually just stumbled upon this forum while browing the web for gardening and lawn information. I'm a bit of a yardwork junkie so this forum I'm sure will become a regualar spot for me! :)

As for where I got that information, I think I read it somewhere on DIYdotcom that the wires can damage the tree in spite of the insulation provided by the hoses. I'm with you on this subject. I don't know what wimpy tree's these guys have been dealing with, but around here I'm used to seeing barbed wire growing halfway through a tree with no apprarent adverse affects!

Maybe I just answered my own question, but being that I would like this tree to thrive in my yard, I wanted to be safe!

On another note, does anyone know of red maples do very well in dense clay soil? My yard seems to be composed almost entirely of this stuff, to the point that I'm considering taking up pottery!! Come to think of it though, my entire neighborhood is built on top of an old iron mine, from back when they were strip mining for iron ore.

Thanks again!

Chris