Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Problem with Birch trunk, 1 by greatswede

greatswede wrote:
ecrane3, I took all the stakes off my three Birches a few months ago. They were 15 gallon size planted two years ago. They have grown in height somewhat and are now about 12 foot tall.

The soil up here is clay and some rocks. I'm not sure how good the root system is at this point. The head of the nursery where I got the trees is emphatic that there should be stakes on them still. But how many more years? He hasn't said. I've read stakes should only be on for a year. You said two to four years. I'm sure soil has a big factor in root growth but once roots are established in this soil, it should be very secure. Attached is a picture of one Birch (the one with bark problems) taken two days ago. This was probably a 10 mph breeze.

Could you respond to this and elaborate some more?