When to take out stake for my meyer lemon tree?

8 years ago

I purchased a meyer lemon tree a few months ago in the summer, around July. I transplanted it in my backyard, and it's been doing well. It's been almost 3 months, and the tree is blooming flowers. I'm just wondering when I should take off the stake. I was thinking of waiting until after winter in case we get any strong winds or heavy wind storms. I read online some people mentioned that they usually remove the stake until after a year it's been transplanted. I don't know if I should wait until next summer (the 1 year mark of transplanting) or I can do it sooner to remove the stake. Any thoughts?

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Comments (4)

evdesert 9B Indio, CA
8 years ago
The day you planted it....but that’s ok. At this point I would remove the stake and put it further out and tie it loosely to the tree. Your tree looks a little top heavy and if you completely remove it, it could blow over in a gust of wind. Every 3 months lower the tie down further and further until it’s not needed and then remove the stake completely.

Evan
evdesert 9B Indio, CA
8 years ago
Here’s an example of what I’m talking about, and no, it doesn’t have to be 2 stakes, that’s just what I decided to do. You want your tree to be able to sway a little bit with the wind so it strengthens the trunk.

Eureka lemon At planting time
My citrus · More Info

One stake removed
Citrus progress · More Info

Citrus progress · More Info

No stake!
Eureka lemon on volkameriana · More Info

Evan
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Helen Vernier
Original Author
8 years ago
Evan,

What ties did you use to tie your tree to the stick? I couldn't really zoom in with the pictures to see. It seems to be some special tie to give the trunk some room to sway with the wind as oppose to just tying it with some string. Thank you for your help!
evdesert 9B Indio, CA
8 years ago
This is what I used.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardener-s-Blue-Ribbon-Sturdy-Tree-Ties-10-Count-T019B/205937134

Evan
Helen Vernier thanked evdesert 9B Indio, CA