A: Yes, you did indeed see a staked tree (figure A), a weeping Japanese red pine. Weeping trees are the exception to the rule when it comes to staking trees. If this tree weren't staked for a few seasons, or in this case, a few years, it would simply grow at or slightly above ground level. So, a short stake was attached to the tree early in life so that the tree trunk (figure B) would grow upright. Then at some point, the trunk will weep (figure C). The point at which a stake is attached is somewhat arbitrary. For example, the stake could have easily been a foot taller or shorter for that matter. I'll leave the stake on the tree for a long time, because it will take years for the tree trunk to grow strong enough to support the weight of the constantly growing and weeping terminal end.
Another weeper is this juniper called "blue lagoon" (figure D). I recently removed the stake because the trunk was strong enough to support the weight of the terminal growth. Of course, if the tree begins to weep too much, even to topple over, I can always add the stake back on at roughly a 45-degree angle. For the next few years, though, I think it will be just fine.
Q: My soil is so heavy and compacted that I can't dig a proper planting hole. Any suggestions?
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
