Newly planted Himalayan Birch

Hello!

On another thread I discussed my buying and planting a Himalayan Birch. It's in the ground now, supported by H frame (see photo).

It was delivered with a full length bamboo cane, running from the root ball to the tip of the leader. The tree is 11/12 feet, I think, and I live in a windy exposed spot near the coast. All that said, should I remove the bamboo, because the tree doesn't move even in strong winds, and I fear it won't be building any strength or resilience?

Thanks in advance!

 

Modern thinking seems to suggest you stake a bit lower than you are in the picture, allow the trunk to bend but stop the roots moving.

Cant really see any reason to keep the bamboo in place.

 

Thank you. I suppose the only reason I had the bamboo left in place was to protect the tree in high winds. But I see now that it's best to let it feel the wind..

 

It does look very tall and slender, depending on your exposure I think its best you make the decision how high up the staking needs to go.

 

Fair response

 

Yes - remove the cane - it's doing nothing, and is basically for support while being moved around.
The H frame type of support is often used for trees in very exposed areas - hillsides etc.
I think yours will be ok, although it looks a bit flimsy, but in most domestic settings it would be fine. The horizontal is also a wee bit too high, but should be fine.

You can't stop damage to the top section of a tree like that though, especially just with a cane, so if there's rough weather before it gets a chance to mature and harden up, there may be some breakage. Birds can cause that too, but that's how it is with tree saplings, and young trees, if they're bigger when planted.

 

@fairygirl a couple of people have commented on it being 'flimsy'. With care and time is this something they might sort itself out, or might, due to its previous life, be something I'm stuck with. Wondering if I accept it was a poor purchase and try again!

 

I had a birch delivered around ten years ago that was 12ft tall but came in a 6ft box. It was even more flimsy looking than yours and I had to leave a cane on it to keep it upright. It thickened up quite quickly and has turned into a nice tree. So personally I'd leave the cane on, it might not do alot but if it isn't restricting the trunk, I don't think it will hurt either. If you had conditions where the tree will snap anyway a bamboo cane isn't going to help much but in quiet conditions it will keep the shape.

 

@Thevictorian in really glad to hear that your tree did well. Appreciate that. I've never planted a tree before, so very useful to know

 

When I was saying flimsy, I was referring to the support rather than the tree
The tree will be fine - but just don't expect it to suddenly be a mature specimen in a couple of years. It takes years for a young tree/sapling to look heftier, especially when it's as slender as that.
The cane will do nothing to help the establishment or any protection from wind - that's what the proper supports are for, and that's why it needs to be secure so that the roots become firm, and the top section can move and become stronger, which then helps it in rougher weather. Nothing can prevent any minor damage to those young branches if wind snaps them, or larger birds land on them.
Just make sure the tree ties are properly fixed, and check them regularly to avoid rubbing, and therefore any damage which can cause bigger problems.

 

The reason I left the cane on mine was because the tree was literally bent at the middle to fit it into the box and it couldn't support itself in an upright position. It was a really bizarre way to receive a tree from a reputable company.
If your tree is fully able to support itself then it won't need the cane.

 

@fairygirl I'm not sure what's worse - criticising my handy work or my tree!

And again, thanks everyone for the input and help.

 

I meant to say - I understand why you kept the cane on @Thevictorian, although I also find it utterly bizarre that a reputable company would send a tree out in that way.
I didn't mean to be critical @Nickoslesteros - but when you put trees in [in particular] it's always the prep that's the most important part, and I'd hate to see something fail when there's something simple that can be done with just a few minor adjustments. Been there!
I also see many trees when I'm out for my daily walks that haven't had good supports put in early on, and they're a sad sight. It can be such a huge waste of money too. That's the tight Scot in me coming out

I'm also probably used to seeing a belt and braces approach up here though, as many trees are planted in pretty inhospitable sites, and it pays to make sure everything is done as well as possible.
Your tree is actually a nice specimen IMO. I'm sure it'll do well.

 

Don't worry @fairygirl, I was only kidding! Although I have beefed it up a bit now. Hood preparation makes perfect sense.

And everyone, Thanks for all the help !