Young trees are particularly vulnerable to high winds, as their thinner trunks and relatively light weight make them susceptible to snapping or uprooting. Fortunately, there are several options to prevent young trees from sustaining wind damage.
Staking
A solid wooden garden stake can provide stability and structure for young trees, holding it upright and keeping its roots in place. Place the stake about 15cm from the base of the tree to avoid damaging the root system, and drive the stake about 40cm into the ground.
Tie the tree loosely to the stake, using a soft and flexible material like fabric strips or elastic webbing. The tree should be able to move and flex in the wind, but not bend so far it cracks or breaks.
Once the tree is older and stronger, the stake can be removed.
Creating a wind barrier
A temporary wind barrier is an effective way to protect young trees from high winds. Slatted screens and trellises provide a good level of wind protection and don’t detract from the visual appeal of your property; you may even choose to leave them in place to make your outdoor area more livable year-round.
Windcloth is a great semi-permanent option; it’s available at most garden or hardware stores and is easy to install and remove.
For a cost-effective solution, pick up some secondhand wooden pallets online (they’re readily available and often cheap or free). Just stack the pallets on their end, secure them well, and your windbreak is in place.
Tree guards
Very young trees or seedlings may benefit from a tree guard (a solid, hollow structure that encloses the entire tree, protecting it from wind and weather). Tree guards have the added benefit of protecting your trees from animals, and can help the tree establish a microclimate to support its growth.
