Most people don’t know that the majority of trees will not need staking. Staking should only be done if a trees top growth outweighs their root-ball, meaning large trees. If you do feel that your tree needs to be staked however, then here are a few things to keep in mind. 

Improper tree staking replaces a supportive trunk system with artificial support which causes the tree to put its resources into growing taller rather than wider and stronger. If and when the stakes are removed the lack of trunk development makes the tree vulnerable to being blown down or breaking. So how do you properly stake a tree?

1. Place two stakes that are no higher than 2/3 of the height of the tree one foot away from the trunk on either side of it.
2. Secure the tree to the stakes with something broad and flexible (never wire), ensuring that it is fastened very loosely around the tree so that it can move and develop a strong trunk in response to wind. Staking is used to moderate swings or to protect the tree from violent winds that will uproot it, not to prevent all movement.
3.  Remove the stakes within a year after planting.

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Click here to watch a video from the perspective of one of our Arborists in JAC Russel Park Gembrook!

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Mulch is important for your garden to help retain and conserve soil and moisture, to help maintain soil temperatures and to keep weeds from becoming problematic.  The costs can add up though!

 Home-made mulch is a quick and easy alternative and best of all you can use materials that are already around your home!

Grass clippings and leaves: These are great for mulch as both decompose rapidly, adding nutrients back into the soil. It is best to mix in course materials like twigs to avoid them forming a waterproof layer. Make sure you allow the clippings to dry out and shred the leaves before mixing as mulch. (Note: you can’t use grass clippings if they have been treated with weed control products)

Pine Needles: These are good for home-made mulches as they can be used immediately and produce a Fungally dominated compost for mulching.

Compost and manure: Compost and manure are considered one of the best materials you can use in mulches as they add vital nutrients to the soil, increase soils ability to retain nutrients and buffer Ph levels. The best thing is that you can make compost by recycling unwanted organic material.

Shredded old newspapers:  Like grass clippings, if layered to thickly the newspaper can stop water penetration so if you do want to use newspapers make sure you put only a thin layer and place  a heavier mulch, such as one with grass clippings, twigs and leaves, on top. 

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