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how to support a liquidambar

how to support a liquidambar

Question from Shoot User
1028 1
I planted a liquidambar styraciflua 2/3 years ago and now 10 foot high. However the trunk is very weak and it cannot stand upright without support at 6 foot level. Is this normal? What support should I put in place as it is currently bending over and almost touching the ground?
Posted: Sunday 12th of September 2010 07:21 AM

  • Re: how to support a liquidambar

    Kathy N
    Hi, David,
    Would you be able to post a photo? It sounds like it is too top heavy for its trunk. Perhaps it needs a little (and just a little with a tree so young) thinning out at the crown. Also, you will probably want to stake it - though I say that with caution. Make sure the stake is no more than a metre high, don't tie it to the tree to tight - allow the tree to be able to sway a little in the wind as this will help strengthen its trunk, but also make sure that there is some sort of material where the tie touches the bark to ensure the bark is not worn away or damaged as the tree moves. Finally, NEVER leave a tree stake on for more than a year.
    Kathy C
    Replied: Monday 13th of September 2010 05:32 AM

    • Re: Re: how to support a liquidambar

      Shoot User
      photo attached - thanks for your help
      https://d30qmn300ic0sk.cloudfront.net/assets/users/user_16339/forum_5895_149_20100915140113.jpg
      Replied: Wednesday 15th of September 2010 01:01 PM

      • Re: Re: Re: how to support a liquidambar

        Kathy N
        Hi, David,
        Thanks for posting the photo. The stake being used is far too short for this tree. Get one that is a metre high and somewhat thick - but no longer than a metre. Tie it to the tree in at least two places (somewhat loosely) and make sure one of the ties is toward the top of the stake. See how the tree does after the stake is in. If it is supported well, leave it be. If not, post another photo and that will give me an idea of whether or not you need to do some thinning in the crown.
        Kathy C
        Replied: Wednesday 15th of September 2010 05:21 PM

        • Re: Re: Re: Re: how to support a liquidambar

          Shoot User
          Hi Kathy,

          Thanks, will do so. I did have a stake in, attached at c.4ft and it was ok - took it out and the tree flopped over as in picture. Over time, I guess it will strengthen and thicken and stay upright on its own
          Replied: Friday 17th of September 2010 09:21 AM
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