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In the first few years after planting, a young tree is vulnerable and unstable. The budding root system of the young tree needs one to two full growing seasons to firmly anchor itself in the ground. During this vulnerable process, the little tree is in search of grip and nutrients in the soil life to form a solid foundation for future growth and flowering.
Disruption of the anchoring process
When the essential anchoring process of the young tree gets disrupted, for instance, due to extreme weather conditions, construction activities, poor soil conditions, or incorrect planting techniques, there is a high chance of failure. The young tree loses its stability, which increases the risk of falling over in a heavy storm. Not only does this cause inconvenience in the urban environment; it’s also a sustainable investment unnecessarily lost.
Weather conditions are becoming increasingly extreme
As the earth is confronted with increasingly extreme weather conditions, we see a disturbing impact on the stability of trees in our urban environment. Strong gusts of wind, heavy rainfall, and unpredictable storms test the resilience of trees to the limit. Especially young trees, with a not yet fully developed root system, are particularly vulnerable to these extreme weather conditions. Disturbances in the soil condition due to floods and increased rainfall further contribute to the risks. Therefore, it is of essential importance that we provide trees with stability to ensure they remain resilient in the fight against climate change.
Anchoring of trees
To provide young trees with the stability they need, tree anchoring is a frequently used method to provide support during the anchoring process. There are two anchoring methods: above ground or below ground. Above-ground anchoring is achieved with the help of tree ties and tree stakes, and underground anchoring through root ball anchoring.
Above-ground or below-ground anchoring?
Both tree ties and root ball anchoring are both designed to provide the tree with stability. Yet, there are some crucial differences to consider when choosing to anchor a tree above or below ground:
– With tree ties, there is a risk that they will cut into the bark as the tree grows larger. Root ball anchoring cannot cut into the bark as it is applied underground. Tree ties may hang looser as the tree grows because the trunk, as it were, grows closer to the tree stakes. With root ball anchoring, this is not the case, as the sturdy belts are attached in a triangle over the root ball, keeping them always tight. At the same time, the tree retains its natural freedom of movement.
– Tree ties with tree stakes are visible above ground, which generally detracts from the landscape. Root ball anchoring is invisible because it is applied underground.
– Tree stakes serve as protection against mowing damage or as a bike stand in the urban environment. This is not possible with root ball anchoring. At the same time, the tree retains its natural freedom of movement.
Stable, future-proof trees with anchoring
With a view to the long term and the safety of the urban environment, it is important to provide young trees with anchoring during planting. It not only prevents instability that can arise from extreme weather conditions but also protects the vitality of the tree in the long run. By anchoring young trees during planting, a strong foundation is created to thrive amidst the grey infrastructure. In this way, a future-proof combination of green and grey will be created.
Discover the Greenery Development Equipment HERE.