Tree care experts call to look out for abandoned trees

#FreetheTree campaign launched

There could be tens of thousands of these strangled-on-stake trees across the UK. In private gardens and along the side of roads, in car parks and housing estates, in schools and open green space – wherever trees have been planted, this issue can often be found.

Through a lack of good aftercare or a lack of understanding, these trees will struggle to establish in the landscape, with many dying as a result.

Download the poster here

Please check for Strangling Tree-Ties

When a tree is planted, it is often supported using stakes and tree-ties. This holds the root system firm in the ground and ensures the tree doesn’t blow over. Over time, the roots of a healthy tree grow into the surrounding soil. It is soon able to bear its own weight and withstand the elements, and at this point the stakes and tree-ties should be removed (typically 3-5 years after planting).

Once the tree is established usually after 3-5 years, these stakes and ties should be removed.

Why? The pressure of a tree-tie can constrict the growth of the trunk, causing damage to the bark and the living tissue underneath. This restricts the flow of resources that the tree needs to survive (water, nutrients and carbohydrates). Through a lack of good aftercare or a lack of understanding, these trees will struggle to establish in the landscape, with many dying as a result.

Consider: Tree-ties are meant to be reasonably tight, and they are often made of semi-flexible material to allow the tree some room to grow. Some tree-ties are adjustable, so they can be loosened-off when needed, but can continue to offer support. Ensure action is only taken when a problem exists – see what to check for below:

Planting a tree is just the beginning, the hard part is making sure it becomes established in the landscape.

• Ensure newly planted trees are adequately watered
• Check stakes, ties and guards – they may need adjusting or refastening
• Remove stakes and ties after 3-5 years, once the tree has established
• Check overall tree health with regular visits
• See Arboricultural Association guide to Young Tree Establishment for detailed aftercare best practices

Within the arboricultural and landscape profession it costs on average £350 to supply and plant a (12-14 cm girth) tree. As mentioned, if these are left strangled on-stake they will die. On a national level, this represents a huge waste of money across these industries and moreover the landscaping and ecosystem benefits for which these trees were planted will never be realised.

On supporting the campaign led by Fund4Trees, John Parker, CEO of the Arboricultural Association said:

“As an industry we’re encouraging people to realise that planting a tree is just one small part of the story. Arboriculturists work in tree time, not human lifespans or political cycles. After planting there are a few years of young tree maintenance, including watering, and then for decades or centuries to come the healthy survival of the tree is dependent on inspections, pruning, management and protection.”

Russell Ball, Founder and Trustee of Fund4Trees said:

“This is an important national public-engagement campaign to mobilise efforts within local communities to find these abandoned on-stake trees and help save them from their strangling ties.”

Download the poster here