Removing tree stakes

[spandit]

Quite a few of my alder have split their tubes which have now been removed. However, the wooden stakes are too tightly wedged to pull out by hand and I'm worried that if I pull them out with a jack I will leave a hole near the roots that some animal could get into and cause damage (vole). I'm also cautious of damaging the tree. Is it best to just cut them off at the base or should I persist in removing them?

[sloth]

I'd just cut them off low as you can comfortably get...

[openspaceman]

5 hours ago, spandit said:

Quite a few of my alder have split their tubes which have now been removed. However, the wooden stakes are too tightly wedged to pull out by hand and I'm worried that if I pull them out with a jack I will leave a hole near the roots that some animal could get into and cause damage (vole). I'm also cautious of damaging the tree. Is it best to just cut them off at the base or should I persist in removing them?

I always remove them to stop them from ingrowing, I wouldn't worry about the hole but if you want just collapse it with your heel.

[spandit]

Thanks chaps. Think I'll try to take them out and fill in the holes.

[spandit]

Made a lariat from steel cable and pulled them out with a farm jack. I'll reuse most of them for new trees