A system and apparatus for supporting newly planted trees or other upright for use with a plurality of stakes that have been positioned adjacent and around the tree to be supported. In one aspect of the invention, the individual stakes are rigidly secured together by elements which are vertically movable along the stakes and releasably secured to the stakes at desired vertical positions. In another aspect of the invention, flexible tie members interconnect the tree trunk with a vertical stake. The connection between the tie member and its associated stake is such that the connection may be releasably locked to the stake at different vertical positions along the stake.