Collecting, Installing, Storing and
Caring for Live Stakes
Wendy DesCamp
Live stakes are long hardwood cuttings that are planted outdoors usually without rooting hormone (WSU Cooperative Extension). Certain native species will grow new plants from cut sections of branches planted into moist soil (Sound Native Plants 2002). The stakes are (relatively) straight pieces of branches or stems that do not have other branches or leaves on them.
In the
Live stake cuttings may be used in a wide variety of habitats
and applications: in wetlands, flood plains, marine bluffs, stream banks, lake
shores, landslides, road slopes, and storm water detention ponds (Sound Native
Plants 2002).
(Sound Native Plants Photo)
Using live stakes for bioengineering projects is also an
effective, low cost method for protecting and restoring riparian areas
(Department of State Lands 2003). Conventionally, engineers have used only
static inorganic materials that provide neither habitat for fish and wildlife,
nor shade for the stream (Department of State Lands 2003). Bioengineering
techniques used in riparian restoration incorporate live stakes for stabilizing
soil and addressing erosion control issues while at the same time improving
riparian habitat. They can be used to stabilize erosion control fabric,
geo-fabric and other soil bioengineering materials (WSDOT). Different species
of willows and cottonwoods are used widely for bioengineering projects because
they easily form roots on stem cuttings (Department of State Lands 2003). One
challenge in bioengineering is protecting the bank from erosion until the
vegetation becomes established, which can take one to two years. There are a
number of structural components available, such as coconut fiber rolls (see photo
below), to provide temporary protection while the stakes become established
(Tennessee Valley Authority).
(Tennessee Valley Authority photo)
Collecting
Live stakes are best taken when the plant is dormant,
generally in the late fall through early spring before bud break. Tools used
for cutting live stakes are sterilized hand pruners, a hand saw, a bag or
bucket of water to place cuttings in, eye protection, gloves, and other
appropriate safety equipment. Do not create an unsafe situation by leaving
stumps after cutting stakes that are close to the ground, especially in areas
that are frequented by people (Grillmayer).
Stakes can be made with wood of a variety of ages but
results may vary with species, though no specific information was found
addressing this factor. In the horticulture industry, cuttings are usually from
wood of the previous season’s growth, although with some species older growth
is used (Hartmann et al 2002). Since many native species in the
If there are leaves and branches on the stake, they should be removed to prevent the stake from drying out (Water and Land Resources Division 2001). Also, while cutting and collecting stakes, make bundles of 50-100 for easy transportation and potential storage (WSU Cooperative Extension). It is important to make sure the cuttings are all in the same direction in the bundles, especially if they are going immediately to their planting site (Grillmayer). This will help installation by preventing the wrong end being planted in the ground. Stakes should be kept moist by either wrapping them in wet burlap or placing them in buckets with water and kept in shaded conditions on hot days to reduce stress (Water and Land Resources Division 2001).
Installing:
In general, stakes should be planted so at least half their
length is buried in soil (deeper may be better, as long as a few buds at the
top are exposed) (Sound Native Plants 2002).
Live stakes can be planted in the late fall through early
spring, the same time period recommended to harvest live stakes (WSU
Cooperative Extension). Live stakes should be planted
in areas that will remain moist throughout the growing season, such as along
the water line on streambanks or in wetlands (Water and Land Resources
Division 2001). The best time to plant live stakes is during the dormant
season. In western
Certain species that are desired to be used as live stakes may not develop roots if stuck into the ground without any treatment. Rooting hormone can be used by soaking or dipping the ends of cuttings in a solution before planting to speed up and encourage root growth (Water and Land Resources Division 2001).
(WSDOT)
Live stakes can be driven into the ground with a rubber
mallet (WSU Cooperative Extension). Pilot holes must be made in harder soils to
plant stakes (Sound Native Plants 2002), which can be made with a planting bar
or a length of rebar (Water and Land Resources Division 2001). At first, the
stakes will survive by rooting, but eventually leaves will sprout from the
exposed end of the stakes (Water and Land Resources Division 2001). Spacing
considerations include planting stakes in a random arrangement (not rows),
taking into account how large the plants will eventually become and also the
fact that some of the stakes will probably die (WSU Cooperative Extension).
Sound Native Plants recommends planting stakes one foot on center to achieve a
dense planting, two feet on center for an average planting and three feet on
center for a sparse planting (2002).
Site conditions are important to consider when using live
stakes. Use long stakes at least 1/2 inch in diameter when plating in
riprap/rocks as longer, thicker stakes will survive heating and drying better
than smaller diameter cuttings (Water and Land Resources Division 2001). Use
longer stakes, leaving one foot sticking above the ground, if the stake will be
shaded by surrounding vegetation so that they don’t get too much shade, drop
their leaves and die (i.e. willow) (Water and Land Resources Division 2001).
(Department of State Lands 2003)
The site should also be assessed for possible browsing by
wildlife or other possible damage to the stakes. For example, beavers will cut
and utilize a wide variety of shrubs and trees, especially poplars which are a
popular species to use for staking (Grillmayer). Protective fencing should be
installed to deter the beaver from cutting off the stakes. Also, if stakes are
in a public place, prevent damage from the public (and also for public safety)
by designating the stakes in some way (i.e. flagging) or by fencing them off.
Storing:
Often times it is not always possible to install live stakes right after they are harvested. Sound Native Plants recommends keeping the stakes in cool, moist, and shaded conditions and thoroughly wetting them daily (2002). They recommend storing them for no longer than two weeks. Stakes may be stored outdoors during cold temperatures as normal freezing should not harm them (WSU Cooperative Extension). If the stakes have begun to form roots in storage, it is important for the plants to stay at a cool temperature just above freezing until installation, but not drop below freezing or the roots will die (WSU Cooperative Extension). Live stakes are highly perishable (Sound Native Plants 2002) so the sooner that the stakes can be planted the better. It is better to wait and harvest the stakes right before site installation than to harvest stakes and store them for a period of time prior to site installation. When transporting the stakes between sites to storage, remember to handle them with care and cover them to avoid desiccation (Grillmayer).
Additional Care:
Stakes do not require too much additional care, which is another reason they are so efficient to use. They should be monitored though for water needs during summer drought as most stakes will need some irrigation for the first year or two (Sound Native Plants 2002). Also, cut back any encroaching vegetation as the stakes are establishing to reduce competition (WSU Cooperative Extension).
References:
Department of State Lands. “Riparian Restoration:
Bioengineering”.
Grillmayer, Rick. “Soil Bioengineering”
http://collections.ic.gc.ca/streams/tech/S-engineering.html
Hartmann, Hudson T., D.
Sound Native Plants. “About Live Stakes and Cuttings”. Information Sheets. 2002.
http://www.soundnativeplants.com/PDF/Cuttings%20info%20sheet.pdf
http://www.tva.gov/river/landandshore/stabilization/pdf/stabilization.pdf
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) “Roadside and Site Development” (no date recorded). http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/eesc/design/roadside/SB/pdf/cuttinge.pdf
Water and Land Resources Division. “Live Stake Cutting and
Planting Tips”. Natural Resources and Parks,
http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/pi/Cutting.htm
WSU Cooperative Extension, “Hardwood Cuttings and Live
Stakes”. Gardening in
http://gardening.wsu.edu/text/nvcuthw.htm
Collecting, storing, and installing live stakes
What is a live stake?
Live stakes are long cuttings taken from hardwood
species that are driven into the ground to take root. Two species typically used are red-osier
dogwood (Cornus sericea), as
well as many willow species (Salix spp.). These pioneer species
are effective because they grow fast, and root easily. Other species such as salmonberry (Rubus spectablis),
and snowberry (Symphorycarpos albus) have
shown some success as live stakes.
What are they used for?
Commonly used in wetland and riparian restoration
projects, live stakes are used to reduce erosion of stream banks and hill slopes,
improve habitat, and augment existing vegetation.
Their rapidly developing root systems help to stabilize the soil. They may be used alone or combined with other
materials to increase the effectiveness of erosion control. In areas that have
been taken over by invasive weed species, live stakes can improve habitat by
shading out the invasive species. Live stakes
may also be installed as a means increasing the visual appeal of a project by
augmenting existing vegetation. More
information on the use of live stakes as a means of erosion control can be
found in the USDA’s Stream Corridor Restoration Handbook (http://www.usda.gov/agency/stream_restoration/newgra.html)
How to collect live stakes:
Steps to collecting live stakes:
1.
Live
stakes should be collected and installed when the plants are dormant, from late
fall to early spring.
2.
Cut
3 to 5 foot long sections at least ½ inch in diameter.
3.
Make
a flat cut on the top, and a diagonal cut on the bottom. The diagonal cut on
the bottom makes it easier to drive into the ground, it also aids in telling
which end is up.
How to store live stakes:
From the time stakes are cut to when they go in the
ground they must be kept moist, as they will dry out easily. For best results it is recommended that live
stakes be planted within 24 hours of cutting.
If necessary they may be stored before planting in a cool dark place if
they are kept moist. They may even be
set outside in plastic bags. They will
be safe from freezing as long as they have not begun to root. If this is the case they should be kept just
above freezing to keep the roots from dying.
How to install live stakes:
Stakes should be installed in wetlands or
riparian corridors where there will be available soil moisture throughout the
growing season. They should be planted
in the dormant season, from November to February, before bud-break. Stakes may
be planted at other times but the success rate will greatly decrease.
Steps to install live stakes:
Resources:
http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/pi/cutting.htm
http://gardening.wsu.edu/text/nvcuthw.htm
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/fhp/waterway/erosioncontrol-biological.shtml
http://www.usda.gov/agency/stream_restoration/newgra.html