Installation
Get Started with your Stakes
GETTING STARTED
Placing Your Stakes
Two stakes per plant is recommended, place one stake on either side of each plant
Place 2-3 stakes around plant in a triangle or one on either side, close to plant’s base but avoiding the root ball
Place 3 stakes in a triangle around the trunk, either outside the root ball (new trees) or canopy (existing trees)
The tree canopy is the area bordered by the farthest reaching branches and leaves
Place 3 or more stakes 4-5 ft. apart within the tree’s canopy, avoiding the root ball. The larger the tree, the more stakes you will need.
8” DEEP DRIP® Watering Stake
Two stakes per plant is recommended, place one stake on either side of each plant
14” DEEP DRIP® Watering Stake
Place 2-3 stakes around plant in triangle or on either side, close to plant’s base, avoiding root ball
24” DEEP DRIP® Watering Stake
Place 3 stakes in a triangle around the trunk, outside the root ball (new trees) or canopy (existing trees)
36” DEEP DRIP® Watering Stake
Place 3 or more stakes 4-5 ft. apart within tree canopy, avoiding root ball. The larger the tree, the more stakes you will need.
Get in the ground
Drive your DEEP DRIP® stakes into the ground, hammering at the top of your stake’s cap. Don’t strike at an angle or with a drip line connected
Make sure to never hammer the uncapped stake into the ground as this could break or destroy the shaft
If you are placing your stake near where you may use a lawnmower, you can hammer your stake deeper below the surface. Aeration and removal may be affected
Drip line
Once driven in the ground, remove your stake's cap
Attach an adjustable emitter head to the end of your ¼” drip line
Insert the end of your drip line downwards into the stake, with the emitter head sitting halfway between the shaft’s first and second holes
Finally, place the stake’s caps back over the shaft, securing the dripline in place with the caps slotted drip line hole
Hose
Create a plant well around your plant; larger plants will need a larger well and more stakes (follow the stake placement guide for instructions on how many stakes your plant will need)
Inside the plant well, bury stakes, leaving the stake’s cap on and top hole just above ground.
Place your hose on a slow, but steady flow within the well
As the well fills up, water will flow into the top hole of your stake, watering deep down to your plant’s roots
Ask your local nursery professional for recommendations on watering levels, times, and refill rates specific to your plant’s needs.
Fertilize
After installing your stake, remove the stake’s cap
Evenly disperse your chosen fertilizer among all of the plant’s installed stakes, following the recommended amount of fertilizer per package instructions
Pour liquid, powder, water-soluble, or granulated fertilizer/nutrients directly into the open shaft of your installed stake.
Ask your local nursery professional for specific recommendations on the best fertilizer for your plant’s needs.
Tough Ground
Soften Soil
If you have dense, tough, hard, or compacted soil; pre-soak the planting area and/or use a soil softener to soften the ground before installation.
Once the area is well-saturated, hammer your DEEP DRIP® Stake into the ground as far as it will go.
Take the cap off and run water directly into the stake to start softening the soil from below
Repeat the process until you have driven the stake all the way into the ground, leaving the stake’s top hole exposed
Pre-Drill
You can also use a 1.25-inch auger bit to pre-drill a hole where you wish to place the stake for even easier installation.
Moving
your Stakes
Insert a screwdriver or rod through the stake’s exposed top hole, just below the cap of your stake. Slide the rod through the shaft, twist and pull up to remove the stake
Your DEEP DRIP® stakes are easily reposition-able as your tree grows! Simply remove stakes (described above) and reposition them so that they sit just inside your tree's canopy. At this time, you may choose to add additional stakes or switch stakes out for a larger size, if needed. Large trees will require additional stakes as they grow.
Optional
MAINTENANCE
Twist your stakes once every six months to help guard against roots entering and damaging your stakes. Do so by sliding a screwdriver or rod into the stake’s exposed top hole and twisting.
The rare buildup of mineral deposits may cause a blockage that needs to be cleaned. To clean, remove the stake and dip into a solution that dissolves calcium. Rinse with clean water and reinstall. Remember, you will be placing your stakes back into the soil, so be sure to thoroughly rinse all the solution out of the stake.
