Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers

Support Systems for Plants and Trees

Most low growing plants and ground covers grow naturally without drooping over or leaning to one side but some large flowering plants and tall vegetables need support. Strong winds and driving rain can damage these plants unless they're protected and supported so they can grow. The same holds true for some young trees when they're first planted because their root system needs to get firmly entrenched in the soil. Supporting plants and trees is an easy project for a first-time gardener and the rewards are almost immediate as you watch new growth flourish.

Helping Plants Grow with Support

By bracing up large flowering plants and tall vegetables in their early growing stage they can develop 'good posture' and grow to their full potential. All parts of the plant will enjoy air circulation which is important to its growth. As the plant fills out the growing foliage covers the supports so it is barely visible. Don't be alarmed if your little tomato plant looks like it's imprisoned in a cage or lashed to a stake; as it grows and thrives the support will be barely visible as the plant overtakes its guardian.

It's a good idea to plan ahead for support systems around a plant so there's enough space surrounding them. Planning for the support helps you visualize just how expansive a plant will become when it's full grown. Make sure there's enough growing room surrounding it by noting the information on the plant labels. The specifications on the labels are there as a guideline so you don't make the mistake of planting things too close to each other leaving them no room to grow.

It's hard to believe that a little tomato plant will require a good three feet of growing space around it and soar 4-5 feet high, but that's what you should allow for when laying out your garden and planning the support system.

In some cases a cage or support system isn't required because all that's needed is an individual stake to bolster up a lengthy stem. Tall stately flowers like delphiniums can use such a brace to resist damage from strong winds and heavy rains.

When pounding stakes and supports into the ground be careful not to pierce the roots of the plant. Gently push it into the ground being sensitive to any resistance you might feel as you put pressure on it. If you hit a root just reposition the stake until you find one that goes into the soil without any obstruction.

Plant Support Systems

Here's a rundown of what you can use to support plants. Some you can make yourself, others are sold at garden centers and through mail order catalogs.

Individual stake with tie: Stakes make good plant supports. Plants can be tied to the stakes with a string, a garbage bag twister tie or a scrap of fabric, rag or any soft material. Secure the tie to the plant stem loosely so it doesn't apply pressure or cut into the stem. Position the ties every 12 inches or so.

Cheap stakes systems made from just about any material. Here are some free or inexpensive sources.

  • Tree branches: The natural bark of trees blends in with the foliage of bushy plants in the garden or in containers. Use a sturdy branch at least 3/8-in. diameter and cut them to about three feet in length or to match the mature height of the plant it will support. Trim the branch of twigs and leaves so it is a straight support.
  • Recycled scrap lumber: Old plaster lath makes good stakes and can be found anywhere old houses are renovated. Pieces of moldings and dowels are naturals for plant supports. Avoid painted wood because the paint will begin to peel and fall into the bed during the growing season as the wood weathers.
  • Bamboo and hardwood stakes: Sold in home centers and come in various lengths. They are lightweight and go easily into the ground to act as a brace for plants and vegetables. Used to support landscaping cloth or wire mesh they make a protective covering for plants during cold weather or as a trellis for growing climbing vegetables.
  • Old plumbing pipe: Old 1/2-in. and 3/4-in. galvanized water pipe makes excellent stakes for larger plants. The pipe can be cut to length with a hack saw or pipe cutter but you will find it much easier to have it cut to length. This pipe is a little harder to drive into the ground than thinner stakes but once in it can support very heavy plants and fencing.
  • Wire mesh fencing or screening and stakes make customized round supports for plants. Cut the fencing material to size and secure it to scrap pieces of wood or stakes. You can use a heavy duty staple gun or twisted wire wound around the stake and through the openings in the mesh.

Prefabricated Systems

Prefabricated support systems come in a variety of materials and configurations. You have to shop early to get a good selection since most home and garden centers stock large amounts of these type items only in the spring.

Round metal hoop supports with grids are designed for large plants like peonies. The plant grows inside the hoop and stems grow through the grid so it's barely noticeable.

Round and rectangular cages designed for tomatoes and peppers. Look for ones with large openings between the wire so you can reach inside the cage to pick the fruits of plants.

Metal and plastic-coated stake systems are sold as individual components that you assemble together. You configure them to the size needed and they link together in rectangular shapes. Because the size is not predetermined these systems work nicely for supporting large, oversize plants.

Supporting a Tree

Just like tall plants and vegetables need support a young tree often needs temporary help to get it growing in a straight and upright position. As the tree grows it spreads and anchors its root system firmly in the soil. Staking a young tree gives it the support it needs to stand upright against the wind while it establishes this root system.

In addition to staking a tree it helps to lightly prune or thin out some of the branches of new tree if it is top heavy. This reduces the weight on the trunk and cuts down the windage and stimulates growth. Before positioning the stakes consider the wind pattern in your area. Locate one stake on the downwind side of the tree and the other two on the upwind side of the tree. Don't pound the stakes into the root ball, instead position the stakes about two feet beyond the root ball so there's no danger of pounding the stakes through a developing root.

You might notice trees are supported with a variety of materials. One way is with a tree stake kit which costs about $5 and includes three wooden stakes and support webbing. You can use rope or wire as a support and be sure to protect the tender tree trunk because these materials can chafe or cut into the bark. Run the rope or wire through short sections of old garden hose or bike tires and position the protection around the tree trunk.

written by Gene and Katie Hamilton

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