Girdled Tree Trunk

I see this all the time. A landscaper or homeowner plants a new tree and stakes it because it is commonly recommended to prevent new trees from shifting or blowing over in high winds. In some cases homeowners add stakes to try and straighten a crookedly planted tree. The stakes and their wires are usually forgotten until years later. These trees were staked three years ago when they were planted. At the time the loops that went around the trunks probably had plenty of space for the trunks to grow. But as you can see the trunks grew too large for the loops and began the slow process of strangulation by staking. The tight wires constrict the vascular system of the tree which is a very thin layer that sits just below the surface of the bark. If this is caught early most trees will recover quickly once the wires are loosened or removed. If left to the point where the tree canopy is showing damage and the trunk is growing around the wires then it’s a gamble if the tree will survive. I’m not much of a gambler… I would suggest replacing the tree.

Both trees have been girdled

While staking has its place, most new trees do not need to be staked. Trees are meant to sway in the wind. This action actually strengthens the trunk as it grows. Unless your tree is planted in a wind tunnel it will probably be fine if not staked at planting. If you absolutely have to stake your tree keep a couple of things in mind:
1. Cushion the loops around the trunk with sections of rubber or soft fabric so that the natural swaying action doesn’t grind and rub away the bark (just as bad or worse than strangulation).
2. Keep the loops loose. Check every few months to make sure the trunk has plenty of room.
3. Leave enough slack in the guy wires to allow the tree to move a couple of inches in each direction.
4. NEVER use support wires to keep a tree from leaning over.
After a year you should be able to remove the stakes and wires. If the tree won’t stand straight on its own then it probably wasn’t planted right in the first place and doesn’t have a supportive root system. Replanting it, properly this time, is your only option.