"Nate Nagel" wrote in message
...

. What can I use as a stake that's stronger than a ground rod?

I used a fence Tee post tring to train a redbud sapling. I left it on for
over two years and as soon as I released it the little redbud went right
back to where it wanted to go. I think they have a mind of their own. RM~

PS, I did have a tee post driver, would hate to have to put one in with a
hammer. Good luck.