---
title: "Hi all My Japanese maple arrived today and have potted it on my…"
description: "Hi all My Japanese maple arrived today and have potted it on my balcony Question…that stick to help support it. It’s taped in a few places, Do I remove this…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/laZRVxvuAvBIB22z9wnzx5"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Lee"
published: "2026-03-19T15:28:35.852959Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/QKOr-4-5ZvM3wY637cFNDv3AKt-SmyB2fvBNhV7ND2k/k4fDdxKxTJe2HwiTgSr9nQ.webp?size=large"
---

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# Hi all My Japanese maple arrived today and have potted it on my…

_Posted by Lee on 2026-03-19_

Hi all  
My Japanese maple arrived today and have potted it on my balcony

Question…that stick to help support it. It’s taped in a few places, Do I remove this now or later or never??

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/QKOr-4-5ZvM3wY637cFNDv3AKt-SmyB2fvBNhV7ND2k/k4fDdxKxTJe2HwiTgSr9nQ.webp?size=large)

## 7 comments

### plantgeek commented on 2026-03-19

remove the tape. it can prevent the stem from thickening, which you absolutely want in a tree. my personal favorite is plant velcro, but any velcro will do. it's fine if it's a little loose, you want it to have wiggle room so the stem has space to thicken

#### Lee replied on 2026-03-19

Could I replace the tape with loosely fitted zip ties…it’s all I have at the moment.

#### Lee replied on 2026-03-19

Also keep the support stick??

#### Aroidmama replied on 2026-03-19

Yes zip ties work as well. But I agree plant Velcro is the simplest and reusable.

#### Aroidmama replied on 2026-03-19

Go ahead and gently remove the support stick. If it becomes feeble, or wobbly then add a stick.

#### plantgeek replied on 2026-03-19

yes, zipties also work, but be careful to leave more room for the stem to grow. you can keep or not keep the stick, it depends on the current stability of the plant. young trees like this tend to be wobbly.

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