When to remove stakes?

This has probably been asked a zillion times, but I can't find it on the T&S forum search.

When is it time to remove stakes from small trees? I have 8 apple trees, different varieties, planted in 2005. They're growing nicely now. It really looks to me as though we could remove the stakes, as I keep having to loosen the ties, but I don't want to do it too soon and subject them to trouble. We are out in the open and the wind can be fierce. Is there a general rule to follow in making a decision of when enough is enough?

Show us a picture of how the apple trees are currently staked. More than likely, you should keep loosening the current arrangement (allowing for some sway in the trunk so that it develops "reaction wood" to stiffen its resolve to stay upright). Alternatively, you could replace the current staking with a new arrangement (further from the trunks) that allows for the same sway. Windthrow should always be a concern until your trees have substantial enough roots under them.

What size trees are these? Were they container grown, with a bamboo stake in the pot with them? Or, were they field grown B&B and you staked them with posts after planting? Lots of variables to be known, in order to help answer your question.

For most trees, if you must stake the tree, the rule is to try to remove the stake after a year because if you leave it staked too long, it will develop a weak trunk along with other problems while its growing.

However, for apple and pear trees, its important to stake them when planted for support and to train the central leader. If your apple tree is on a dwarf rootstock, its recommended to keep it staked for its life (10 foot stake). Staked trees produce fruit faster with heavier yields. Dwarf's produce fruit earlier (2-3 years) than non-dwarf apple trees and need help supporting the weight of the fruit because it will cause the tree to lean or break because of their weaker root system. Semi-dwarf varieties need to be staked (6-8 foot stake) for the first 5 years after planting and after that time they should have a sufficient root system and framework to support the tree when its loaded with fruit.

What type of apple tree do you have?

I will get out tomorrow and get a picture of the current staking. I think we may have put them a little too close to the trees.

They are Golden Delicious, Liberty, Jonathan, and Granny Smith semi-dwarf. They were purchased in a container with a bamboo stake, and are currently about 6' high. I didn't let them fruit this year (picked off blossoms) because I wanted all the energy going to the tree itself. Those scrawny little branches couldn't have handled many apples, I don't think. Hope I didn't screw that up - just decided I ought to do it and it was done.

Thanks for your help. Pictures soon.