Square Sawn Wooden Stakes, Pointed, Green Treated Softwood, 750mm to 2.4m Long, 25mm to 50mm Square

These square sawn wooden stakes are a simple, low-cost support for trees, shrubs, netting and setting-out work. Each stake is cut from softwood, sawn to a square section, pointed at one end and green treated to Use Class 3 (UC3). Stakes are sold individually in eight sizes, from 750mm × 25mm up to 2.4m × 50mm, and all eight are currently available. They suit gardeners, allotment holders, landscapers and anyone planting trees or hedging.

Why it works

A pointed end for easier driving

Each stake is cut to a point at one end, so it can be knocked into prepared or soft ground with a mallet rather than needing a hole dug first. The square section gives flat faces to tie against and to strike squarely.

Pressure treated softwood

The timber is treated with a wood preservative under vacuum pressure, which drives the preservative into the wood to help protect it against fungal decay, insect attack and rot caused by moisture. The treatment gives the stakes a green colour at first. Over time this fades to a honey brown and then to a silver grey; the colour change is normal weathering.

A size for most small jobs

The range runs from short, slim 25mm stakes for marking out and plant support to a 2.4m × 50mm stake for heavier staking. Lengths in between cover most tree, shrub and netting jobs.

Know the limits: UC3 is not a ground-contact class

Use Class 3 covers timber used outdoors above ground. It is not Use Class 4 (UC4), the class intended for timber in direct contact with the ground. Because these stakes are driven into soil, expect a shorter in-ground life than UC4 posts, particularly in wet or heavy ground. They are best suited to temporary and semi-permanent jobs, such as staking a young tree for its first few seasons. A specific service life is not published for this line. For permanent fencing, use UC4 posts.

Where it's used

The stakes are typically used for:

• Tree and sapling staking
• Hedge planting and supporting tree guards and shelters
• Plant and shrub support
• Marking out and setting-out pegs
• Temporary fencing and netting supports
• Vegetable garden canes and supports
• General landscaping work

Specifications

Choosing the right option

All eight sizes share the same timber, treatment and pointed end, so the choice is length and section.

25mm section (750mm and 900mm) is the lightest option. It suits marking out, setting-out pegs, small plant supports and vegetable garden use.

32mm section (900mm to 1.8m) is the middle of the range. The shorter lengths suit shrubs, hedge planting and low netting; the 1.2m to 1.8m lengths suit young trees, tree guards and shelters, and temporary netting or fencing supports.

50mm section (2.4m) is the heaviest stake in the range, for taller trees or jobs that need a stiffer support. As a rule of thumb, allow enough length to drive the stake firmly into the ground and still reach the height you need above it.

Installation, use & care

Drive the pointed end into the ground with a mallet or post driver, keeping the stake upright. In hard or stony ground, make a pilot hole with a metal bar first to avoid splitting the timber. When staking a tree, place the stake before planting where possible so the roots are not damaged, and use a proper tree tie rather than wire so the bark is not cut. If you cut a stake to length, treat the cut end with a suitable end-grain preservative. Wear gloves when handling treated timber and wash your hands afterwards. Check stakes at ground level from time to time and replace any that have softened.

FAQ

Are these stakes treated for ground contact?

No. They are treated to UC3, which covers above-ground exterior use. UC4 is the ground-contact class. These stakes will still go into the ground, but expect a shorter life in soil than UC4 posts.

Why are the stakes green?

The green colour comes from the preservative treatment. It fades over time to a honey brown and then a silver grey as the timber weathers.

Are the stakes sold singly or in packs?

They are sold individually, with a minimum order quantity applied at checkout. See the ordering section below.

Which size should I use for a young tree?

For most young trees and saplings, a 1.2m to 1.8m stake in the 32mm section is a common choice. For taller trees, choose the 2.4m × 50mm stake.

Ordering & delivery

Stakes are priced per stake as listed. A minimum order of 55 stakes applies, shown when you add to basket. Delivery charges and lead times are shown at checkout.