Unstaking A Tree

We planted a new tree from a 24" box last Fall. It was very windy here at that time so we left the stake in for support. We cut the straps this winter so the tree could start to build it's own support. Now we need to remove the stake. Our question is: If we try to pull up the stake will it do too much damage to the root system? Or should we just cut the stake off at the dirt level? We are afraid that if we leave the stake in the dirt it will attract insects to the rotting wood that will hurt the tree. Would sure love to know what is the best thing do do.
Thanks.

Pull it straight out if you can. Do not wiggle it very much. Then flush dird in the hole. If you cannot pull it out, let it rot and break it off at ground level when you can. Cutting it off would be okay, if that can be done without nicking the tree. If it is being touched by the tree when it moves, it should at least be cut off below where it rubs.

If termites or other bugs do become a problem, insecticide to control them will not harm the tree.

Ernie

Thank you so much for your help.

Roy,

It looks like you may be pretty close. I am located near the San Marcos/Vista borders, and another member that knows a lot about tomatoes, container growing, etc., lives over in Oceanside. Welcome to the neighborhood.

Ernie

Thanks for the welcome. We are actually about two miles north of Jesond Dene. Just on the border of Esc. and Hidden Meadows. Frost this year damaged our Clivias, but they hung in there. They took a big hit because we removed a Brazilian Pepper that was totally out of control. Now we are rebuilding the area. Still trying to eradicate it's offspring coming up from any possible root left in the ground. I think we will be diligent and hopeful that we get rid of every possible piece of new growth. It sure is tenacious. Thanks again for your help. I think we will just cut the stake since it's nearly impossible to remove without damaging the tree roots.

Roy,
I was not sure just where Hidden Meadows is, but i glanced at the map and see it is close to where the Deer Springs shortcut enters 15.
We live just off of Sycamore and 78.

My second career was running a Shade and Ornamental tree Nursery up in Idaho, but we had a ball and burlap operation, not boxed trees. But assuming the stake was put in when the small tree was planted, it may be rotten enough now to break off easy at ground level if you cannot cut it low enough to not leave a stump.

We are supposed to be in a frost free zone but we are in a cold pocket and suffered quite a bit of damage when it got down to 21, which was the coldest. I gave up on the Guava, and an Avocado planted in the coldest spot, but managed to save the other stuff and it has recovered pretty well.

Will give it more protection this winter.

Ernie

I generally just break it off. Healthy plants roots do not get invaded by decomposer organisms. Safest just to break it off, because over the years that the plant has been growing in the box the roots have wrapped around the stake.

If you think the plant needs some help then you could add more stakes, but outside the root ball. Allow the tree to move in gentle breezes, but the support from the stakes helps in stronger wind.