We’re excited to partner once again with Wildbud Native, a local WNC plant grower, to offer LIVE STAKES for your riparian restoration projects.
Want to learn more about live stakes (and bare root plants)? Join our special class on January 25th, 2025.
What are Live Stakes?
Live stakes are cuttings from dormant trees that can grow into new plants! In the winter, trees go into dormancy, a natural process where they conserve energy to survive the cold. This is the perfect time for planting live stakes, as the cuttings can focus on growing strong roots before the spring season arrives.
The live staking season typically runs from November to March, where you can plant hardy hardwood stakes that will establish their roots first. These roots stay steady, quietly working underground, and when spring arrives, the stakes burst into life, growing their branches and leaves.
But that’s not all—these tough roots play a crucial role in protecting stream banks from erosion, especially during high-flow events. By planting live stakes when trees are naturally conserving their energy, we help ensure a higher success rate for survival along riparian buffers.
Interested in learning more about live staking? Don’t miss our class on January 25th!
What varieties are available for pre-order?
(Links below will take you to the NC Extension Website in a new web browser tab, close that tab to return to this screen)
- Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
- Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)
- Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
- Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) – limited quantities
- Silky Willow (Salix sericea)
- American Elderberry (Sambucas canadensis)
- Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
When will they arrive?
Your live stakes will arrive on January 25th, the same day as our class on live staking and bare root trees! Local native plant expert and grower, Nathan Buchanan, will deliver your orders in person. You can pick up your stakes and go, or stay to learn about the importance of this method and best practices for planting them on your property.
How can I pre-order live stakes?
Simply complete the form below with the quantities you’d like to order. You can pay via credit card or PayPal. Once your order is placed, we’ll send a confirmation along with more details as we approach the pickup date.
Order Now: