Foxholer
Blackballed
Actually, I'm inclined to allow relief, then remove the stake - and tell the Pro-shop/GKs what I've done. If the tree has grown around the stake to such an extent that it's not removeable, then no relief as it's part of the tree!So, if ur up against a mature tree that still has a stake connected to it ,would common sense kick in and not allow relief as its not a new plant???
My club has changed the specification of 'staked' trees to 'held by 2 or more stakes' as the original young trees are now strong enough, but there are the occasional exposed ones (even quite tall) that are still propped by several stakes where relief is appropriate.