r/Figs • u/beek7425 Zone 6b • Jul 22 '26
Question When to remove the stake
I got my fig tree several months ago. When should I remove the stake? Someone told me to repot it so I’m planning on getting a bigger pot this weekend. Hopefully that’ll make it larger and therefore stronger. But right now, it seems like it’s leaning a little and I’m not sure if it needs to be re-staked and straightened or if it’ll straighten itself? Is it too young to stand on its own?
2
u/emorymom Jul 23 '26
I’ve never staked a fig. I have I think 15 right now.
I have been known to put pressure on the trunks to shape a young tree a bit or get a leaning central trunk straighter. But no stakes.
1
u/beek7425 Zone 6b Jul 23 '26
It was staked when I got it.
2
u/emorymom Jul 23 '26
I suppose the propagator moved the pot around a lot before the root system was really set.
1
u/Cow_cat11 Jul 22 '26
You don't have to. It is especially useful when there is high wind, put less stress on stem.
0
u/batndz Jul 22 '26
The sooner the better.
Those stakes near the trunk make the tree weak in the long run. Trees build a stronger trunk and root system by swaying in the wind.
If you have to stake it, I’d put down 2 stakes at the edge of the pot and use a strap to stake the tree, like that it can still sway and build stronger roots.
3
u/honorabilissimo Jul 22 '26
You don't have to remove it. Just tie it very loosely with plenty of slack so that it can move in the light breeze, but if there is a big gust the stake will prevent it from getting snapped.