Bareroot tree planting : Winter and stakes ?

80sDiesel

Will be planting 1600 native trees around the property and was hoping to do it in Dec/Jan. Once the ground is not frozen , is there any risk planting at that time ?
Do folks normally use stakes when planting. Could never figure out if it is needed or not. Will be using rabbit guards so figuring it would be easier attaching those guards when the stake is there ?
Tnks.

Apiarist

(my amateur opinion)

Are your rabbit guards spiral plastic like those:


if so, they go around the tree, no need for a stake. If you have steel mesh guards, they need to be attached to a stake.

Any time from end of November to March should be good for planting:
https://www.howbertandmays.ie/garden-blog/when-best-time-plant

How many acres (I guess 2-3) are you going to plant? You may be eligible for a grant:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/grants/establishment-grants/brief-overview-of-forestry-grant-rates/

Also if you have deer present in the area, you must have a deer proof fence (1.8 m high mesh), otherwise you will be left with branch-less sticks in the ground .

Apiarist

80sDiesel wrote: »

Do folks normally use stakes when planting.

I use stakes when planting more grown trees (2 meter and above) because the wind can knock them over until they are established. For smaller saplings I put a bamboo stick to mark the spot, otherwise the tree can be hidden by the grass in summer.

80sDiesel

Thanks guys. Yep it is those rabbit guards. No need then for stakes then. Planting around the perimeter of the property ( alder,oak,wych elm,cherry,crab apple,birch) and also will have  a hazelnut orchard ,a goat willow section and a quaking aspen section. Some scots pines on entrance gates and a small irish native apple orchard.

So not a forest so no real grants available.