Live Stakes

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Live stakes are a cost-effective solution for propagating woody plants quickly. Unlike most saplings or yearling trees, cuttings grow robust, developed root systems in two months or less.

TN Nursery offers a variety of them to help you plant in bulk without busting your budget. We've been shipping live stakes for over 64 years and would be honored to help you find the perfect ones for your yard.

The Science Of Live Stakes

They thrive in their first year of development, especially with a little TLC. But how does a dormant, woody branch turn into a living organism?

It all boils down to science:

The dormant branches of certain woody plants possess an enormous amount of energy (even if they don't yet have leaves). Horticulturists carefully harvest these branches and wrap them in special packaging. When you receive freshly cut stakings, you must immediately plant them into muddy, nutrient-dense soil. It will take a little while for these branches to grow roots and unfurl beautiful foliage for the year ahead.

You can use them for various purposes, from slowing down erosion to revegetating empty river banks. No matter what you prefer, though, TN Nursery can help. We offer multiple staking varieties to help you propagate in large numbers.

Customer Favorite Live Stakes

There are so many reasons to use this type of cuttings, and TN Nursery offers even more options.

Below are just a few of our most sought-after options - starting with our biggest bestseller:

Black willow: It's hard not to love the tenacious black willow. It's a beautiful, showy option that intercrops well with other plants.

Buttonbush is one of our more unique native plants, perhaps best known for its spherical white flowers. Apart from attracting a wide variety of pollinators, you can also use this plant to add color during the late spring and early summer.

Roughleaf dogwood: This shrubby plant provides native food and habitat and is an excellent candidate for cutting transplants. Each purchase comes with 25 branches roughly one to two feet in height.

Are you worried your cuttings won't survive their first year? Worry no more. TN Nursery offers a 100% growing guarantee within the first 365 days.

TN Nursery Offers Healthy Live Stakes

The quality of live stakes depends on the nursery they came from. At TN Nursery, we guarantee the highest caliber. Whether you're looking for shrubs, flowering bushes, or trees, we have something in stock that's perfect for your space.

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Live stakes are a cost-effective solution for propagating woody plants quickly. Unlike most saplings or yearling trees, cuttings grow robust, developed root systems in two months or less.

TN Nursery offers a variety of them to help you plant in bulk without busting your budget. We've been shipping live stakes for over 64 years and would be honored to help you find the perfect ones for your yard.

The Science Of Live Stakes

They thrive in their first year of development, especially with a little TLC. But how does a dormant, woody branch turn into a living organism?

It all boils down to science:

The dormant branches of certain woody plants possess an enormous amount of energy (even if they don't yet have leaves). Horticulturists carefully harvest these branches and wrap them in special packaging. When you receive freshly cut stakings, you must immediately plant them into muddy, nutrient-dense soil. It will take a little while for these branches to grow roots and unfurl beautiful foliage for the year ahead.

You can use them for various purposes, from slowing down erosion to revegetating empty river banks. No matter what you prefer, though, TN Nursery can help. We offer multiple staking varieties to help you propagate in large numbers.

Customer Favorite Live Stakes

There are so many reasons to use this type of cuttings, and TN Nursery offers even more options.

Below are just a few of our most sought-after options - starting with our biggest bestseller:

Black willow: It's hard not to love the tenacious black willow. It's a beautiful, showy option that intercrops well with other plants.

Buttonbush is one of our more unique native plants, perhaps best known for its spherical white flowers. Apart from attracting a wide variety of pollinators, you can also use this plant to add color during the late spring and early summer.

Roughleaf dogwood: This shrubby plant provides native food and habitat and is an excellent candidate for cutting transplants. Each purchase comes with 25 branches roughly one to two feet in height.

Are you worried your cuttings won't survive their first year? Worry no more. TN Nursery offers a 100% growing guarantee within the first 365 days.

TN Nursery Offers Healthy Live Stakes

The quality of live stakes depends on the nursery they came from. At TN Nursery, we guarantee the highest caliber. Whether you're looking for shrubs, flowering bushes, or trees, we have something in stock that's perfect for your space.

FAQ

What does live stake mean?

A live stake is a freshly cut, living branch or stem from a tree or shrub that’s planted directly into the ground to grow roots and form a new plant. It’s a simple, natural method used for erosion control, streambank restoration, or creating new growth areas. Live stakes root easily and start growing into healthy, established plants with minimal effort.

What is the success rate of live stakes?

Live stakes have a high success rate when planted correctly, often between 70% and 90%. Success depends on keeping the stakes moist, planting them in good contact with the soil, and choosing the right season—usually spring or fall. With proper care, most live stakes root quickly and grow into strong, healthy plants.

How do you harvest live stakes?

To harvest live stakes, cut healthy, pencil-thick branches from dormant trees or shrubs during late fall to early spring. Trim each piece about 1 to 2 feet long with clean, angled cuts. Keep the stakes moist and cool until planting to ensure strong root development.