Tree Form Hydrangea Staking This is the 3rd summer since planting a tree form hydrangea. It was originally planted with a bamboo support stake in place. Last summer during a storm the stake broke off a little below ground level at the base of the tree. When the tree bent over in the wind the broken stake got caught at ground level horizontally and prevented the tree from returning to upright. I do not know how long the tree remained in the bent over position, but when I discovered the issue and removed the bamboo stake the tree returned to upright. The trunk appeared strained at the bent point which was approx 3-4 inches above ground level. I re-staked it with a metal stake tied to the tree with stretchy nylon stocking material. There is no longer any visible evidence of damage from the bending and the tree is thriving. I hard pruned it this spring and it has become very full with new growth. I am wondering when I should remove the stake from the tree. Have I waited too long to remove it? Is there a time of year that is better to remove the stake? It currently has a full canopy of leaves and is just starting to set blooms. The trunk circumference near the base is approx 4 inches around. The trunk is 38" from ground to the base of the canopy. The canopy is 36" high from the trunk with a spread of nearly 5 feet. Please advise. Thank You, Wendy