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. 


  1. To prevent the stakes from respiring and drying out, remove any leaves and small branches after cutting. 
  2. Some sources recommend dipping the top 2 to 3 inches of the stake in latex paint immediately after they are cut.  They paint can be used to mark which end is up, differentiate species, prevent drying and cracking, and to make the stakes visible in the field after planting.  

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:

  1. Using a length of rebar or another sharp device, create a hole in the soil to insert the stake into.  This step may not be necessary in some soils. 
  2. Drive the stakes into the pre-made hole.  If necessary a rubber mallet may be used to help drive the stake into the ground.  They should be planted at least one foot deep, with at least 2 to 3 nodes in the ground.  Because rooting is key to the success of live stakes, deeper is better.  Only a small portion of the stake needs to be left above

  1. ground to sprout (3 to 6 inches).  Leave a longer section above ground if the stake may be shaded out by other vegetation.
  2. When used to control invasive species, stakes should be densely planted.  A spacing of 18 to 24 inches will create a dense shade that will reduce the vigor of invasive species.  The dense planting will reduce maintenance, and may be thinned out once the invasive are under control.

 

Resources: 

  1. King County Natural Resource and Parks Division.  Live Stake Cutting and Planting Tips.  

http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/pi/cutting.htm

  • Washington State University, Cooperative extension. Hardwood Cuttings and Live Stakes

http://gardening.wsu.edu/text/nvcuthw.htm

  • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Biological Erosion Control Methods

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/fhp/waterway/erosioncontrol-biological.shtml

  • USDA. Stream Corridor Restoration Handbook

http://www.usda.gov/agency/stream_restoration/newgra.html