Stake Mango Tree Branches or No?

[fliptop]

I have two mango trees (grafted Neelam and Coconut Cream seedling) whose new branches droop and twist and spin in all sorts of directions. My attempt to remedy this has been to stake the branches in the direction I'd like them to grow (see attached pic). I suck at this task, and with TS Eta bringing the winds, the stakes gave up and now the branches are flopping around like the arms of a drugged octopus.

My question: should I just let them flail about? Do they eventually right themselves or do they continue to grow at odd angles and directions and eventually need to be pruned off? Thanks!

[bovine421]

In my opinion you're doing the right thing.

Nothing wrong with shaping and pruning mango trees the way that you want. They're very resilient

[JakeFruit]

My approach to straightening/training branches is to use bamboo as a splint along the length, binding every 6-12" with cloth ties. It doesn't have to be the full length of the branch obviously, just the section that needs it. I'll then also do an in-ground stake like you did if I'm not just looking to straighten, but also grow in a certain direction.

Sometimes I'll use a length of bamboo longer than the branch and have it protrude beyond the trunk, then I use the trunk as a fulcrum and stake both ends of the bamboo, ala:

[roblack]

Cool. I do the same, and tie a lot of branches down when too much is going straight up.

I would prune those long branches to get more branching.

[spaugh]

Im no mango expert but I just chop long droopy branches down to 18" so they can stay erect on their own.  What will happen when you need more stakes and taller stakes...

[saltyreefer]

I do the same with my young trees. Interesting to see how others do it.

[fliptop]

What will happen when you need more stakes and taller stakes...

I figured the fruit would droop down and be easier pickins, ha!

I've now restaked the limbs post-Eta, but am honestly thinking of letting them be if the stakes are blown over again--I'm thinking that's how some mango trees get the long horizontal branches? I have over 20 other mango trees in the ground, and these two are the only ones drooping. . . .

Thanks for all the input, everyone!

[saltyreefer]

Here’s a Glenn and a Haden

First is the Haden



Here’s the Glenn



.








Same Glenn this summer

[saltyreefer]

My approach to straightening/training branches is to use bamboo as a splint along the length, binding every 6-12" with cloth ties. It doesn't have to be the full length of the branch obviously, just the section that needs it. I'll then also do an in-ground stake like you did if I'm not just looking to straighten, but also grow in a certain direction.

Sometimes I'll use a length of bamboo longer than the branch and have it protrude beyond the trunk, then I use the trunk as a fulcrum and stake both ends of the bamboo, ala:

This seems easier than what I've been doing.

[Seanny]

You guys should go buy some rebar.
Pound into ground.
Tie some together for bracing.

They will train your trees and help with high wind.
I paid $7 for 20’ 1/2” rebar over here.
Cut into 3 inside HD using their cutter.
End up with 3 6’8” per 20’
That’s around $2 a stake.
Cheap and last a long time.

[Mugenia]

Where's the like button? 👍

You guys should go buy some rebar.
Pound into ground.
Tie some together for bracing.

They will train your trees and help with high wind.
I paid $7 for 20’ 1/2” rebar over here.
Cut into 3 inside HD using their cutter.
End up with 3 6’8” per 20’
That’s around $2 a stake.
Cheap and last a long time.

[palmcity]

I've staked a few limbs and I've tied a few limbs to tall poles and other trees etc. I seldom do it now as many trees and I'm no longer as concerned as eventually they usually send branches up or down in search of sunshine.

The main problem I've had with tying tree limbs is lack of flexibility in a storm with high winds I seem to loose a few more of these tied limbs than the limbs that are allowed to flex in the breeze. So, you might consider loosening them if high winds are forecast.

The bamboo support sounds like a way to strengthen the limb without it breaking as easy in high winds but I'm just guessing as unsure as to how much weight it adds and that would vary with green or dried bamboo. Of course use of bamboo seems to take a lot more time & resources but I don't have any so unsure.

[JakeFruit]

The bamboo I have weighs next to nothing, once dried (takes a few weeks after cutting) it's perfect for staking tomatoes, etc., (I have clumping bamboo, I was told it's the Golden Goddess variety, but I have my doubts). I installed it as a privacy screen, but it's been so useful in the garden. Beats dropping money continually on stakes, and clumping bamboo won't run wild on you.

[skhan]

Im no mango expert but I just chop long droopy branches down to 18" so they can stay erect on their own.  What will happen when you need more stakes and taller stakes...

I agree.
Any time I tried training branches in the past (Keitt, Lancitilla, Coconut Cream, Cac) they never-ending up supporting themselves in the future.
Just let to a maze of stakes and string.

I just trim back to wood now

[Saone]

The bamboo I have weighs next to nothing, once dried (takes a few weeks after cutting) it's perfect for staking tomatoes, etc., (I have clumping bamboo, I was told it's the Golden Goddess variety, but I have my doubts). I installed it as a privacy screen, but it's been so useful in the garden. Beats dropping money continually on stakes, and clumping bamboo won't run wild on you.

I know nothing of bamboo, how do you cure it? Just cut it and leave it a few weeks?

[JakeFruit]

That's all I do. Maybe there's a process that makes it harder/stronger, but I just cut it, strip off the side growth, and store the poles in a dry location until I need them.